Stray is the latest album by True West legend Russ Tolman who this time around has enlisted the help of Tom Heymann, Mike Coykendall and Rusty Miller, with one song co-written with old friend Steve Wynn and a song each from KD Lang and Arthur Alexander.
The album opens with Streets Of Denim that Russ co-wrote with Steve Wynn that has a slight Danny & Dusty feel, reflecting on the decades that have passed, Russ is still the same after all this time, he may sound a little deeper and slower, but he will still find a way to get along and wants too still be free to sing downhearted songs like Dory Previn used too.
My Way Back to find the love you want and need to share with each other, have you really burnt all those bridges, he knows he can find a way back to your love, thankfully this sounds totally sincere and not too syrupy or sentimental.
Make it Fine is making clear that despite any problems along the way they will indeed Make It Fine and dandy and live it up, carefree backing vocals and some cool twanging guitar so you know he wants a good time with you.
It's Because Russ loves you and wants you to admit you love him too, this bright breezy country love song explains the burning desire he feels, over the cantering percussion and guitar.
Why Do We Fight is gentle late-night questioning of how he would rather than be a lover than a fighter, yet somehow, he always ends up fighting and spoiling the love they ought to share, this has hushed backing vocals and sweetly picked guitars seeking empathy.
If It's really Got to Be this Way is a down at heart song of love and longing for a departed partner who went off on other adventures, he wants to sob his heart out before making clear he knows he will eventually get over you, moving on to the sound of that lap steel healing his broken heart once more.
Stray is begging for forgiveness while pleading he will never stray again, can you believe him, or will you just hold him in contempt, for promising fidelity he is unlikely to deliver, this is pained country-tinged heartbreak, that might just weaken her heartstrings.
Our Love has a 70's easy listening feel to the way Russ asks questions about what happened to Our Love almost like he is singing a Burt Bacharach song, until that trumpet solo lifts this into a cool cafe jazz space.
Back To Yesterday a slow reflective burnished country blues, for realising that no matter how much you would like, going back to the good old days isn't possible, so you better just keep moving forwards and enjoying the ride, as much as you should enjoy the maracas and guitar outro.
The album closes with Hello Rising Sun he is happy to have woken once more to see the dawn, over hushed guitar Russ explains the pain he feels, hope for what another new day can bring, occasional organ fills add some beauty to the new day dawning.
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