Scat Bill Fox - Shelter from the Smoke [VINYL]

A true gem of a folk-rock album, Shelter from the Smoke originally appeared on the obscure Cherry Pop imprint in 1997. Those who heard the 15-track album found its exceptional assortment of original tunes worthy of high praise, but, of course, very few came across the title. The Spin Art label provides a second opportunity for the uninitiated to sample the skills of former power-popper Fox (he led the '80s Cleveland band the Mice). Fans of classic Byrds, early Dylan, and even '90s lo-fi of the Sebadoh and Chris Knox variety will find Shelter to be a revelation. Kicking off with the infectious "Over and Away She Goes," Fox conjures up melodies that feel fresh yet familiar and fleshes them out with evocative couplets. Fox has an intimate vocal style that's complemented by his own guitar and harmonica plus judicious small-ensemble embellishments. In the end, he's something of an updated American Billy Bragg, albeit one working with a much more limited recording budget. But Shelter shows he came up with enough bucks to record one keen collection. --Steven Stolder

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