[rating=6.00]
Martin Sexton never does anything that doesn’t come naturally. Mixtape of the Open Road is as intuitive and organic as anything he’s done in his career of over two decades, yet the album is unique among his works. Sexton’s sound has remained essentially unchanged since the Clinton years, so it’s nice to hear him intentionally mixing it up, striving to recreate the aesthetic of old-school, hand-curated mix tapes. Breeze through this album’s 12 tracks and you’ll experience Sexton at his most singular, yet varied. The same voice that made him a favorite of the folkie scene is intact, if a little less earnest, and it is highlighted by a wide variety of sonic backdrops here.
Bluesy guitar and midtempo soul grooves are one of the common themes (“I Believe In You”, “Remember That Ride”, “Pine Away”), along with Sexton’s typical multicultural troubadour tunes (“Doin’ Something Right”, “Do It Daily”, “Supper Time”). Meanwhile, “You (My Mind Is Woo)” is reminiscent of Dave Matthews, not only in title but song structure, and “Set In Stone” is one of the most exemplary tracks he’s released. “Give It Up” is also a fine blue-eyed soul burner, replete with bayou-inspired rhythms and righteous organ. The only glaring mistake here is when Sexton backs up his lead vocal with awkward, manipulated falsetto harmonies. Presumably meant to mimic the R&B and soul aesthetic by which much of his music is inspired, these mousy-sounding bits ruin the otherwise joyous “Dandelion Days” and nearly derail the excellent “Pine Away”. Wrinkles aside, Mixtape of the Open Road is Sexton’s most refreshing and unique release in years, and perhaps his finest yet as an elder statesman of the scene.
