Music review: John Hiatt – ‘Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns’
There aren’t many artists out there today capable of capturing the organic textures of Americana with words and music like John Hiatt. The veteran musician, songwriter and storyteller is at his best on his 20th studio release “Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns.” To say that Hiatt knows a little about crafting a solid tune is an understatement at best. During his career, Hiatt has composed over 600 songs, some covered by artists such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Joe Cocker and Buddy Guy just to name a few. His latest effort continues the nomadic reflections of a rolling stone from last year’s “The Open Road.” Hiatt delivers earthy songs about struggle, heartache, love, sorrow and memories of better days gone by with his raspy, worn voice navigating the heartland rock he free-spiritedly travels. “All the Way Under” speaks of overcoming life’s trials and tribulations, resulting in a stronger and wiser character. “Til I Get My Lovin’ Back” deals with the yearning of lost love as “Don’t Wanna Leave You” relays the need for love and companionship as Hiatt sings, “I don’t want to read the morning news or watch the weather report/I’d rather be grateful for your charms.” “Detroit Made” is a rousing tribute to the glory days of the Buick Electra 225, better known as the deuce and a quarter. Hiatt closes with a moving remembrance of 9/11 with “When New York Had Her Heart Broke.” He could have easily substituted any of our names for New York as we draw near the 10th anniversary of that tragic day. “In a million years, she couldn’t cry more tears,” solemnly sings Hiatt describing the feelings of millions of Americans. The song closes with Hiatt methodically singing, “She will rise again.” With “Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns,” Hiatt keeps precisionly penning the world from the perspective of the road and all the vivid scenarios it reveals. Hiatt will be performing locally on September 8 at the Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead.