The Neenah/Madison country-rock band Blueheels work up some mighty expansive twang on "Red Pajamas." It's a portentous heartland love song salted with doubt and longing and more than a touch of fatalism from their new album Long Gone.
Lead singer Robby Schiller strays into the upper register during the vamp that closes out the song, but mostly he employs a whiskey-weathered singing voice that recalls Townes Van Zandt and a passel of other Texas tune-smiths. And when his female foil, Rebecca Kraft, comes up in the mix to support him, their voices meld effortlessly.
The Jayhawks spent a couple decades working a similar sound and never rose above cult status. But Schiller's ability to pump country soul into a rock tune without sounding like he's putting on an act could be a difference maker.
Justin Perkins' glistening production sure doesn't hurt the Blueheels' cause, either.
The MP3 of the track is available in the related downloads at right.
MadTracks highlights and provides MP3s of songs performed by local musicians. All tracks here are provided with permission of the artist. If you are a musician based in the Madison metro area and are interested in sharing your work as a MadTrack, please send a message.
