Peaceful, Uneasy Feeling

Sunshine and Shadows Co-Exist on New Record from One-time Chicago Songwriter

Maybe it’s the fact that Lou Reed died recently that has me thinking of the late singer/songwriter when I hear Cass McCombs. Sure, his voice is reminiscent at times, but there may be deeper parallels – the ability to write sweet songs, sour songs and both simultaneously.

Musically, “There Can Be Only One” from his new record Big Wheel and Others is simple and strong. The lyrics paint a picture of a puzzling romance – on the one hand, “Who owns my heart? There can be only one.” On the other, talk of broken hearts and “a lifetime in this hell.”

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A different kind of romance brews on “Morning Star,” which opens with the line “Leave your husband and come with me….”

Angel Blood” is both laid-back and somehow urgent. So many of these songs easily wash over you on first listen; repeated listening reveals McCombs' compositions as moody meditations, hypnotic and haunting.

One of the more unusual decisions was to record a song with vocals from the late actress (and Park Ridge native) Karen Black. “Brighter” is a delightful surprise –a seemingly effortless tune with a lovely, all-in vocal performance from Karen Black. There’s also a version with tender vocals and a sweet falsetto by McCombs.Cass McCombs and the late Karen Black

Cass McCombs lived for a time in Chicago, and he has a reputation as an itinerant, moving back and forth between the coasts and playing with a variety of musicians. His influences past and present have blended into something singular. He may remind you of Lou Reed or Bob Dylan or Jeff Tweedy at times, but he’s not aping them.

Cass McCombs returns to Chicago tonight, Friday, December 6, to play The Empty Bottle on Western Ave. His new recording “Big Wheel and Others” is quiet and epic. It’s out now on Domino Records.

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