Dean Owens - Whisky Hearts Format: Album Release Date: 7th Jan 2008 Label: Vermillion Road Records Rating: Somewhere among the million selling records, celebrity status, corporate sponsorship and tv adverts, music as a human to human communication seems to have been corrupted and lost. The humble singer/songwriter sharing his/her life and experiences, is a much maligned and forgotten concept.   Dean Owens is a mighty exception to the cold hearted and closed world of modern music. His powerful new album ‘Whisky Hearts’ reminds us how much can be learned from sitting and listening to an artist communicating.   Recorded in a ranch just outside Nashville with a stellar cast of musicians, the former ‘The Felsons’ singer guides the listener through 14 tracks of wanderlust trails and soul searching reminiscence. Backed with a country tinged roots pop soundtrack, Owen’s voice floats and emotes his endearing lyrics with a ‘Mark Eitzel’ tinged quiet compassion.   On occasion the album turns slightly to far towards the dour in tracks like ‘Years Ago’, but this is very much the exception rather than the rule on this release. A small gripe against an album which engages the listener so adeptly. There is plenty here to enjoy on first listen but still more on repeated visits, highly enjoyable and recommended listening.

Written by: Jamie