PAUL SIEBEL "Woodsmoke And Oranges & Jack-Knife Gypsy" (1970/1971)

One of the great under-recognized singer/songwriters of the late 1960s/early '70s, Paul Siebel made only two studio albums, and they're both contained here in their entirety (unlike a previous Siebel collection that was missing half of his second album). Siebel matches often-poetic lyricism with a fluid country-rock sound (guests include the Byrds' Clarence White and future Eagle Bernie Leadon), but what really brings it home is his trenchant vocal delivery, a keening Bob Dylan-meets-Bill Monroe high-lonesome wail that cuts straight to the heart of both the song and the listener. (Allmusic)This 2 on 1 is pure gold. Of all the "hidden gems" and "lost treasures" I've heard about, these two albums certainly rank among the highest, unassailable by nostalgic hype. Paul Siebel, clearly (and self-proclaimedly in the liner notes) influenced by Dylan, doesn't simply try to make music that tries to recreate Dylan's sound, voice and poetry.  Instead, Siebel understands Dylan's influence much better, and turns in songs that are not only narratives full of angst, humor, colorful characters and allegory, but he also taps into the sources of traditional Americana that were driving Bob's music. In fact, I'd say Siebel does a better and more diverse job of integrating traditional music styles into his work than Dylan. Rather, I'd probably compare him more to The Band's self-titled sophomore album (one of my very favorites). Every single song is a winner--thoughtfully written, expertly sung (think Dylan phrasing with an ear for key and a way better range), and dynamically arranged. The opening track sounds almost like Bakersfield country--there is some sweet pedal steel guitar throughout, and Siebel confidently kicks off the album. My favorites from the better-known "Woodsmoke and Oranges" are the hopeful "Nashville Again," the heart-breaking wisdom of "Then Came the Children," and the unique refrain in "Long Afternoons." "Louise" has been covered by lots of folks and it may be the reason you've even heard of Siebel (Plainsong's cover is what drew my interest). Out of the two albums, I think I may even like "Jack-knife Gypsy" better. "Jasper and the Miners" resides in its own little musical universe, concise and mysterious. The title track rocks pretty hard in a pre-Blonde on Blonde kind of way. The music is even more diverse on this album--just listen to the hoe-down feel on "Legend of the Captain's Daughter," and the boogie of "Hillbilly Child." Like I said, though, every single track is strong, with great playing, singing and effortless lyrics. Recommended for fans of Dylan, the Band, Merle Haggard, Ronnie Lane, etc. etc. Get this album--you won't regret it! (Amazon)trax:

01 She Made Me Lose My Blues 02 Miss Cherry Lane 03 Nashville Again 04 The Ballad Of Honest Sam 05 Then Came The Children 06 Louise 07 Bride 1945 08 My Town 09 Any Day Woman 10 Long Afternoons 11 Jasper & The Miners 12 If I Could Stay 13 Jack-Knife Gypsy 14 Prayer Song 15 Legend Of The Captains's Daughter 16 Hillbilly Child 17 Pinto Pony 18 Miss Jones 19 Jeremiah's Song 20 Uncle Dudley 21 Chips Are Down 22 Nervous (Previously Unissued)

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