Jon Langford
All the Fame of Lofty Deeds
(Bloodshot)
T.J. Simon's #4 album for 2004
First Appeared at The Music Box, May 2004, Volume 11, #5
Written by T.J. Simon
Jon Langford is the hardest working artist within Chicago’s music scene, and
on any given night, he can be found performing insurgent country with The Waco
Brothers, artsy punk with The Mekons, or classic country with The Pine Valley
Cosmonauts. Not surprisingly, All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, his new solo
outing, is a terrific collection of acoustic-based, country-tinged rock ’n‘ roll
that showcases his thick Welsh accent and superior songwriting ability. The best
cut is Nashville Radio, a jolly tune that sounds like The Who sent
through C&W and Celtic filters. Along the same lines are the superb tracks
Hard Times and Over the Cliff, which Langford finally committed to
disc after making them staples of his entertaining concerts. He also offers
enjoyable renditions of Procol Harum’s Homburg and the oft-covered
classic Trouble in Mind. In short, this rock-solid disc provides yet
another reason to like Chicago’s favorite Welshman. ½
All the Fame of Lofty Deeds is available
from Barnes & Noble. To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2004 The Music Box