In an interview last year with American Songwriter, Rayland Baxter described his EP ashkeLon as a “five song diddy” saying it was put out because he has “tons of songs and can’t fit them all on the next full length”. If these were the 5 that fell off of the proverbial truck, then I’d love to delve through his song notebooks and pick some of the scraps for myself. This short collection of songs has quickly become one of my favorite compilations of all time, never mind last year. I can only kick myself in the ass so many times for not clueing into the mustached, cap wearing songwriter earlier. He is truly a gift to the songwriting world.
“The Mtn. Song” has a drifting, soaring kind of a feel to it. It’s easy going, but sails along in an almost dreamlike state. Powered by a tremolo fueled guitar line, whistling, and a steady snare the track has hesitant moments that get your ramped up, but they never quite get really going full force…maintaining that on the edge of your seat feel. Truly engaging and a smart arranging by the songwriter.
“Bad Things” may go down as one of my favorite songs in the history of song. Baxter’s approach, his annunciation and guidance of the lyrics is so heartfelt and sincere. He has a slight break and gravel to his voice that is indescribable, all I know is that it is so f**king great that I cannot get enough. His writing is simple and honest and purely fantastic.
“hey Mr. Bartender / you see my trembling hands
You know I need a drink / and I need it so bad”
“Driveway Melody” takes things uptempo a bit. A 50s lighter rock vibe to it. Something to break up that downtrodden vibe that I dig so much, and puts his adaptable sound to good use.
“Ghost Again” brings us back down to the depths of emotion. Haunting, beautifully soft, spooking, moving.
Rayland takes the best parts of folk, blues, and American roots and puts them together to produce a beautiful, heartbreakingly gorgeous sound that will break your heart and mend it back together at the same time.
His playing is plain and simply pro. His voice is honest. His prose is effortless and genuine. Rayland Baxter is the real deal.
Check out ‘ashkeLon’ online, buy it, listen to it a million times, then listen to is some more.