Birger Olsen, Denver, Kele Goodwin
Recommended
For the release of his solo debut, The Lights Just Buzz, Birger Olsen is stepping out from the shadows of his heralded country crew Denver. Inspired by the expanses of Eastern Oregon he visited as a child, Olsen's matter-of-fact lyrics are delivered in a molasses croon, borrowing a subdued cue from the likes of Bill Callahan on album opener "And the Telephone Dangles on the Line" and the peppy "Liza." Produced by Dolorean's Ben Nugent, The Lights Just Buzz sizzles like a campground wood fire on the feel-good "Slow Bone" and runs the melodic gamut on multi-instrumental gems like the title track, which Olsen manages to whip into a Randy Newman homage before velvety trumpets slice through the singer's workaday baritone. Released by Mama Bird Recording Co., the record is available for the first time tonight on 12-inch 45 RPM vinyl. RYAN J. PRADO