Some voices are a little bit special. Above and beyond the lyrics they convey, there is something extra, character, depth, and a story to tell. Todd Thibaud's voice is like that. As warm and enticing as bourbon on a December evening. As familiar and unexpected as spotting your old college girlfriend at a bar. As enjoyable as a your mothers cooking, or a hot bath after a horrible day.
Thibaud (pronounced TEE-bo) is, like so much of the best minor label/unsigned bands, from the Boston area. This is his second album, and over the course of its thirteen tracks he gives ample demonstration of just how good a singer/songwriter he is, unlike many of those I have said that about, his music is already polished, his niche found and explored and the album not spoiled by over or under production. It really is a joy to listen to, its raw emotion swept along by a solidly executed songwriting craft. If only every album that turned up at my door was as genuine as this.
This is an album where the words and music carry each other with impossible balance. The songs are often built on hooks so strong they could hold up a drunken elephant, with poetic lyrics delivered with the wry sadness of a man draining the last of a particularly good scotch. This is a CD that reads like a great novel, nothing experimental, nothing artsy, just a strong story well told.
Where do you start with a songlist as strong as this? It opens with the instantly memorable "Don't save me", a sing along rock pop session complete with some spot on harmonies. Thibaud has wisely placed three talented musicians around him in Jeff St. Pierre (Bass), Milt Sutton (Drums) and Rick Harris who adds some choice guitar work over Thibaud's excellent rhythm playing.
Track two is the title track and follows in the same vein, where is this guy pulling these tunes and harmonies from, is he channeling Lennon or something. Next is "Anywhere", a beautifully stripped down song where he seems to pull the pain to the surface for the world to see, wrapping it in a blanket of pure sweet rock. "Last thing that I need" is even more perfect, if that is possible, than what has come previously, as sure a single as I've ever heard. It even manages to use some cello without being cliched. I haven't missed a track yet, I could go on and on, there is not a weak song on this album. Damn, there is not even a weaker song. It spirals onwards and upwards in an orgy of songwriting.
I try not to 'wig' out over CDs that often, but this is so perfect in execution it is hard not to. If the voice wasn't enough the lyrics are genuinely moving too, not overwrought or over-clever, just well written.
"I said I'm sorry more than twice, kept the conversation nice.
But, it never got me anywhere,
You do the best to wait your turn, until the day you finally learn
That never gets you anywhere, not anywhere."
Why are you wasting anymore time reading my ramblings, get hold of this CD, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. He is also going to be touring Germany, which means we are finally making up to them for all that David Hasselhoff. I wonder if he needs a personal gopher/assistant M&M sorter? I could do with a vacation. Buy this album, make him a star and repair my faith in American musical tastes.

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