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.
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