Reed Turchi has recorded two entirely different albums and decided to put them out on the same day. Creosote Flats is a rough, largely acoustic affair that reeks of primitive americana. I've Chosen Love is a sharply-produced set that borrows liberally from the 70s and 80s country rock scenes. The albums aren't quite as distinct in sound as the different parts of Steve Earle's career, but I think the comparison is reasonable.

Reed Turchi Creosote Flats I've Chosen Love (Nine Mile Records)

Turchi's songwriting style is consistent through both albums. He just arranges things differently to suit the different moods. The album titles themselves are instructive. Creosote Flats is chock full of alienation and loss (much of it self-imposed). I've Chosen Love is, um, not. And while I listened to the albums in alphabetical order, I think that is the proper order to get the full picture of the project. One must wander in the wilderness before finding the way home.

But despite the wide scope of the project, the songs are sharply observed and highly resistant to bloat. Turchi's raggedy vocals help to keep the feel intimate and immediate, and the songs move briskly along.

One of the real treasures of these COVID times. Turchi has put together something of significance. While I could have reviewed each of these separately, I think they make better sense together. My sense is that this is one project spread over two quite different albums. Two really good albums, at that. Come along for the amble, and then stick around for the rousing finish.

Jon Worley