Reading the credits of Josh Daniels’ Nothing but My Soul to Lose is a lot like reading a list of who’s who in Athens music. Daniels gets some help from Andrew Heaton (Packway Handle Band), Karolyn Troupe (Venice Is Sinking) and a whole host of others who add much needed sparkle to an otherwise average album.
Soul is a collection of singer-songwriter-driven, easy-going, country-tinged numbers. “Volcano†is a standout track featuring John Watkins on keys and Troupe adding sweet harmonies over Daniels’ plaintive singing. The Watkins/Troupe duo lend the song a bit more tension, giving “Volcano†more gravity than it may have had if Daniels had gone it alone. Instrumental pick-fest “Governors Reel†is another highlight, providing a much needed diversion from the record’s monotony.
Daniels closes with a cover of Otis Redding’s soul classic “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,†which exemplifies Daniels’ laid-back, “gather-around-the-campfire-together†style. What it lacks in passion it makes up for in warmth; Daniels’ delivery is smooth, relaxed and inviting. If you’re up for soft guitar and sweet harmonies, by all means, sing along.
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