Blitzen Trapper
American Goldwing
(Sub Pop)
Of all the bearded folkies retreating to cabins deep in the woods to make records these days, none bears the stench of ’70s nostalgia more than Blitzen Trapper. The Oregon quintet fires up a big bowl of Laurel Canyon smoothness and laid-back hippie grooves on their sixth album, continuing along the dusty trail frontman Eric Earley started out on with 2008’s Furr. American Goldwing doesn’t tramp any new ground, despite the feedback freakout that starts the album. Like last year’s Destroyer of the Void, it’s tuneful Americana explored with banjos, harmonicas, pianos, and the occasional fuzzy guitar. Songs like “Fletcher” and the title tune will leave you pining for a fringe jacket and a bushy ‘stache.
EXCURSIONS OF A POP RENEGADE 