Album Reviews

The Pride Of Chester James
Sleep Station – The Pride Of Chester James
8.0
 on
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 00:00
submitted by
Thomas

James Debiak, the driving force behind Sleep Station, once again goes into storytelling mode on “The Pride Of Chester James” while treating us to a fine collection of rootsy tunes. As opener “Hello Mr. Coughlin” takes center stage, beautiful vocal melodies pour out over a folksy rhythm before morphing into some spaced out prog-rock jam. It sounds like a weird combo but it does work!

As we get to know more about Chester James and his pride, we also get to hear more songs where melody is the key ingredient along with Debiak’s warm delivery. “Settle On Your Name” is a slightly angrier track, “Tired Of Me Now” offers a lot of twang and “Paris” is pure pop bliss. Lot of variation here but it all sits together nicely making “The Pride Of Chester James” a very solid release that’s fit for repeated listens.

Hell, it’s a concept album and I like it… doesn’t that alone tell you enough?!?

Tom Dumarey
Tom Dumarey

Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.