Review: Jeff Caudill

If you like Wilco, The Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo, you will like Jeff Caudill. On his album, Here’s What You Should Do, Jeff tells you his story of life, love and one man’s journey of making his way through the music world. Jeff’s music can mainly be classified as Americana; however, some songs feature more of a rock edge and others highlight a country feel with prominent slide guitars and harmonica. His sound and lyrics are relatable and you cannot help tapping along on your car’s steering wheel while listening to most of the tracks.
Even though Jeff recorded the album in several places around the Southern California area, which could impose a different feel on each song, the tracks flow evenly, making the album a cohesive unit. The vocals are always nicely on top of the mix and never drowned out by the many backing instruments, most of which Jeff played himself.
Aside from his blend of Americana Indie Rock, Jeff shows his vulnerable side on “I Just Disappear,” and compliments his emotions with a nice flange effect throughout. The album ends with the acoustic version of “Getaway Car,” demonstrating how both the composition and Jeff’s chops as an artist still stand strongly when stripped down. I think I might even like acoustic version better, as it has a piano accompaniment that slightly tugged on my heartstrings.
To purchase Here’s What You Should Do or find out where the active Jeff is playing next, visit www.jeffcaudill.com or www.myspace.com/jeffcaudill.

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