Making my way to Mother’s Day lunch yesterday was the ideal occasion to discover Paul Greene’s new album, Everywhere is Home. The album title hints at it, but this really is the perfect travel CD with its gentle grooves and mellow acoustic melodies.
The opener, “Ease Up,” tells us what we’re in for, reminding us that the journey is often just as important as the destination so we should all ease up and enjoy the ride. That gentle touch is prevalent throughout Paul’s music; he’s not the kind of artist that grabs you and shakes you. He sneaks up on you, charming you slowly. I enjoyed this album on its first spin, but now on my fourth or fifth time around I’m in love.
“Everybody Got a Little Love” is a standout, with its classic blues groove. I could imagine “You Should Know” appearing on a Donovan album; there’s something deliciously retro about its slightly psychedelic folk feel. The closer, “Stay On,” sees Paul completely stripped back and stunning.
Everywhere is Home sits nicely between my Josh Pyke and Ray Lamontagne albums. If you’re a fan of these artists, you’re going to eat Paul Greene’s latest disc it up. This is an album that gets to the heart of music, without bells and whistles and pretension.
Image source: Paul Greene website