Album Of The Week: Rhett Miller’s The Traveler

You might know him as the frontman of Dallas, Tex., alt-country trail blazers The Old 97’s, but Rhett Miller actually started as a solo artist with the release of Mythologies that he recorded as a 19-year-old kid in the late ’80s. He’s kept putting out his own records over the years, but his upcoming release of The Traveler has something pretty special about it. Along with Miller’s songwriting, he has Portland, Ore., bluegrass act Black Prairie (featuring The Decembrists’ Chris Funk and Nate Query) as his backing band and R.E.M’s Peter Buck and The Minus 5’s Scott McCaughey adding their impeccable skills on guitar. With this cavalcade of talent, The Traveler makes for an amazing album that any folk enthusiast, country honky-tonker or rambunctious rocker can appreciate.

The energy and heart behind each track really makes Miller’s new album a musical treasure; each tells a story as you’re engulfed by the rhythms and lyrics. You can definitely feel Black Prairie’s presence all over the album with a lot of fiddle and banjo action accompanying Rhett and his six-string. It makes for a sound that at times is a bustling flurry, while other times makes a somber part of a ballad. With all of the variety and spectacular chord progressions, The Traveler has multiple dimensions. There’s nothing bland about it, which makes it a piece of music that’ll be difficult to put down.

When you’re lounging on the porch and relaxing in the sun, wouldn’t you like to listen to a cool record to stimulate your senses? Well, that’s what I’m here for. Here are my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week. Sit back and enjoy after you press play:

Starting off the album in full force, “Wanderlust” kicks things into high gear with Miller’s feverish strumming going with a rhythmic barrage of violins, drums and electric guitar riffs. A laid-back song that puts you in the mood for warm weather, “Most In The Summertime” is an ode to summer love for anyone who’s lucky enough to experience such a thing. Another great ditty is “Lucky Star,” a true testament to Miller’s magnificent songwriting; it’s about missing someone who’s far away and looking to the sky, knowing they’re always with you.

Rhett Miller will perform at Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant & Music Club in the Boston suburb of Somerville, Mass. on May 13 for what should be a great night in an intimate setting. While you’re there, you should pick up a copy of The Traveler since it’ll be officially released the day before the show on May 12. It’s genuinely wonderful music that’ll take your mind and imagination places it’s never been.

Listen to “Most In The Summertime” here: soundcloud.com/ato_records/03-most-in-the-summertime