Master photographer David Plowden’s “A Handful of Dust: Disappearing America” captures the empty shells of what were once small, rural towns with active Main Streets, lively churches, and tilled land. And while the pages of images show the remains of what once was, Illinois native Joe Stamm Band‘s new album Midwest Town helps keep the stories of those whose roots are still firmly established in the heartland alive.
For the past eight years, Joe Stamm Band has written palatable story-telling lyrics mixed their midwestern roots and Red Dirt sound. That authenticity connects with the listener, shown in the title track “Midwest Town” as it describes driving through two-lane highway Midwest towns, meeting people in the local the bars, and sharing their stories along the way while Stamm’s rough vocals add depth and authenticity to the lyrics.
The album’s lead single “Pocketful of Quarters” was written as a request from the wife and friends of a fan who was fighting a battle with cancer. JSB told Charlie’s story, his life as a trucker – the blood that drives through the veins of this country so Her heart can keep beating – and his story will continue to live on through these lyrics. (Full story can be read in the video’s description on YouTube)
As strong as the songwriting is throughout the album, the instrumentation on Midwest Town is incredible. Songs like “Catchin’ My Breath” featuring simple guitar could be an instrumental track, and you’d still get the melancholy in you soul. “Drink Enough (For the Town To Talk)” is classic honky-tonk that will get you up and dancing (yodeling along!) while “Speed Trap” is an instant trip back to the 90s.
Perhaps the most poignant song on the album is “Empty Places.” With a Stapleton-esque vibe, Stamm’s vocals deliver a bluesy yet eerie tone as he sings about those wandering “empty places between the past and what’s ahead” – a Vietnam Vet, an elderly woman who lives alone in a home, a Korean Vet:
I ain’t walking with the livin’
I ain’t walking with the dead
That’s just the way life goes
It ain’t up and it ain’t down
It’s somewhere in the middle
Below the sky, above the ground
Midwest Town‘s10-tracks showcase JSB’s love of America’s heartland and her nostalgia, with true country songs that transport you into each story.
Stream Midwest Town on Spotify here.
For more information on Joe Stamm Band, visit their website www.joestammband.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Midwest Town Tracklist:
1. Pocketful Of Quarters
2. Midwest Town
3. Empty Places
4. Bull Rodeo
5. Drink Enough (For The Town To Talk)
6. High Road Home
7. Hope It Turns Out
8. Speed Trap
9. The Ghost
10. Catchin’ My Breath
Awesome stuff from an awesome group of talented guys in the Joe Stamm Band. Love the new album!!! You definitely should check out JSB live if You ever get a chance too. Such an uplifting dirt country rocking’ good time!!!
Joe and the band are amazing! Joe is such a talented singer and songwriter. He really knows how to reach down deep and connect with people. His songs are relevant, inspiring, and some are just downright fun! When you see the guys passing through, be sure to catch them Live. They will not disappoint!