Tyson Ballew
Fruit Trees for Cassowaries
ppr 24 1st pressing: 50 CDR's, MASA 100 CASS
February 09
$5 (postage paid)
Tyson Ballew created two albums under the moniker Old Shoes, but Fruit Trees for Cassowaries—released under his name—has all the attributes a first solo album should have: passionate music, unashamedly autobiographical lyrics and room to grow.
Instrumental flourishes, including synthesized xylophones, accordions, and a toy piano, all lend a fresh, optimistic tone to the effort. The upbeat attitude is mirrored in Ballew’s earnest lyrics, which, despite some bleak moments, are mostly honest and hopeful. “Things Are Different Now” contains the line “I still believe in the songs we’d sing…There’s still time, we can change this world. At least we can change ourselves.” And with a voice reminiscent of both Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and the Fruit Bat’s Eric Johnson, Ballew admits the ironic truth that “Everyone inspires me except for maybe those rock stars, ’cause they are selling sadness and apathy.” This indictment of the modern music machine fits perfectly with songs advocating for small-town punk teens in “Electric City Hardcore” and lonely lovers in “Bumble Bee.”
Ballew exudes hopeless romanticism, an endearing quality that will hopefully continue to flavor his future music.
-By Melissa Mylchreest
Tracklisting:
- Note To Self
- Bulletproof
- Champion Mill
- Things are Different Now
- Unknown Roads
- I dare you to be happy
- Try Anything
- Bumblee Bee
- Electric City Hardcore
- No More Singing
- (exclusive to the first CDR pressing is the secret track Vicsous Tiger)
Masa records cassette version of the album contains alternate song titles and two exclusive bonus tracks. Learn more at www.masarecords.com