Ward White has gone over. He's gotten attention from the national press, famous musicians and more. And yet, he's still maddeningly obscure. Best described as a guy with an extreme tenor singing Joe Jackson songs (with all that entails, which is an awful lot), I'm somewhat flabbergasted that these impeccably crafted songs don't charm those in the mainstream.

Ward White Ice Cream Chords (VF14 Records)

Oh, wait. No one under fifty remembers Joe Jackson, and unabashed pop-rock is so not in favor these days. So there's that. Even so, White is a seriously prolific guy, with a new album in six of the last seven years. He meanders a bit stylistically (this is more of a rock album, to my ears), but the quality remains top shelf.

Flogging a dead horse of a sound is probably not the best career choice, but there's nothing errant about White's musical instincts. His lyrics are incisive, and the music is similarly astute. Sure, he could sing these songs in another style, but they wouldn't have the same tanginess.

I suppose White is destined to be rewarded critically and not financially. That's true of almost everyone I write about. And even back in the early 80s, I'm not sure how much more commercial appeal he would garner. Whatevs. Every few months I begin to wonder if a new Ward White will arrive soon. Eventually it does, and I drink deeply. And the cycle begins again. Sometimes getting what one expects is the most exquisite pleasure imaginable.

Jon Worley