It is not a surprise that I was happy to hear about some more music being released by this under-appreciated songwriter and his great band and associated musicians.   I have previously reviewed their Rail Vodka release and that one is worth your time also …give it a listen:) 

This EP features some previously released material but is still a good collection and an entry point if you have not heard any of of Carr’s music prior to this album.   “Party Town USA” came out as a single release in 2021 and has a nice, clean vibe to it with an airy atmosphere and a strong drum beat through the middle of the track.   “Ronnie” is up next and this song has seen several versions over the years (although I still prefer the original from “Reinventing the Dumbass”…but hey, I am a vintage-style person after all).  How did it take me this long to understand the line about Third Eye Blind?  I always wondered what “melted ice and Third Eye Blind” even meant…but hey…I hear it all loud and clear now!   The third track is “Just South of Heaven,” and is the version from 2021 which is mixed & produced in a much more mainstream fashion than what was on the 2020 EP Neapolitan Man.  This later take is definitely more accessible but that 2020 edition, which is much slower and has a disquieting yet comforting metronomic feel to it, is my preference.  This album closes on “Being Zack Morris” and is a version that I do not think I have heard before…it is a strong one, a well developed song with a nice piano accompaniment. 

As always Jordan Carr delivers direct, pointed songs of life, love and the general messiness of living with much heart and strong arrangements…I always feel like he sings song for and about folks like me:) 

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://jordancarr.bandcamp.com/album/bender-ep

As always…please remember your local artists and businesses – community is powerful! 

And even though this EP is not a buyable item on his Bandcamp page… check out the other music and think about purchasing something 🙂