John Dee Graham: The Great Battle

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating * * * )

Barrel-chested Graham was a member of the semi-legendary Texas punk-rockers the Skunks in the early 80s alongside Jesse Sublett. But as with many former punks, Graham has matured into a gruff-voiced Americana singer-songwriter with a voice between early Tom Waits and Springsteen in agonised balladeer mode.

A few months ago I unexpectedly caught him in an Austin bar where he was embraced as kick-ass hometown hero. The following day I bought one of his albums and wasn't disappointed.

These 12 songs, produced by his guitarist Charlie Sexton, are mostly mid-paced fat-back jangle-rockers or aching ballads (Majesty of Love, Something to Look Forward To, World So Full) which bring to mind a weary, whisky-soaked Bob Seger had he grown up in the flatlands of Texas.

Graham doesn't break any new ground melodically - it is in the easy familiarity of his songs and his rough-hewn voice that the appeal lies. And his achingly beautiful bar-room meditations on love and life make for an album which delivers at least half a dozen memorable songs and has been withstanding multiple plays.

Label: Elite