Kurt Hagardorn is well-traveled, as is his music. Almost 16 years ago I reviewed his first album, Ten Singles. This is his third effort, and in the time between he has backed up a number of musicians in the many places he's lived. I assume he's also, y'know, collected paychecks from the Man. Such is the life of an artist.

Kurt Hagardorn An Analog Man in a Digital World (self-released)

His sound hasn't changed a lot since I first heard him. He still sprinkles wry lyrics over straightforward roots rock. Sometimes he tosses in some horns or keys. Sometimes he just plays three chords and a dream. But every moment sounds as effortless and unguarded as the last one.

Maybe it takes a long time to hone this cheerful, engaging sound. Or maybe life simply puts songwriting and recording on the back burner. Given the rich subjects he explores in his songs (and the often gleeful side-eye that he has for his protagonists), I'm guessing the latter.

Hagardorn is a couple years older than me. He's been in and around a variety of music scenes since the 80s. With a set like this, it sounds like he's just getting started. In any case, it remains a thrill to hear new things from him. More than worth the wait.

Jon Worley