Nostalgia is in country rock, what the first person tense is in modern poetry: reviled, eschewed because of its seemingly unshakable presence and the misconception is that somehow it is an easier form. Perhaps there is some measure of integrity - some "street cred" as they say - in obscurity, but it is undeniably easier when the artist gives in a little, acknowledging their audience's need to engage their craft.

Tim Lee gives a little; and then he gives a little more. His no-holds-barred, six studios in three states vagabond No Discretion is a country rock n' roll record that, it might be said, does it the way it was supposed to be done. A follow up to 2003's Under the House, Lee recorded his new record with such veterans as Mitch Easter (Pavement, REM) and Don Coffey Jr. (Superdrag). Although the method seems maddening, the result is peerless craftsmanship from the straight forward, roof raising opener "I Wanna Believe" to more dreamy tunes like "The Rain Came Down." It is nearly impossible to lose interest listening to No Discretion (a play on the alt/rock/country mantra "No Depression"?) as the songs never lose steam, surprisingly giving off the impression they were all hatched from a single cogent session. Tim Lee's influences are clear. He brings a brighter take on contemporary America than the Boss on Darkness On the Edge of Town but certainly not naive; his is one possessing an eye astute enough to avoid the cheeky bliss that can plague a wandering man.

© 2004 - Erick Mertz