Looking back at Mando Saenz’s upbringing, it’s hard not to draw parallels to Kris Kristofferson. Both are military kids who spent childhood constantly relocating from army town to army town, with music being one of the few constants growing up. Kristofferson went on to become a much sought-after songwriter who managed to cut out his own career as a country singer. Similarly, Saenz has found his music covered by everyone from Miranda Lambert and Lee Ann Womack to Stoney LaRue. All My Shame marks his fourth solo effort and first in eight years. And while there are definitely some strong Country elements throughout the record, it also draws in pop, folk and psychedelia influences throughout. Former Uncle Tupelo/Wilco drummer Ken Coomer produced the album bringing some pretty stellar bona fides to the table having produced Steve Earle, Tim Finn and Emmy Lou Harris.
From the opening track, the trippy, but fun, “The Deep End,” it’s clear he never let the rust settle in during his time away from the studio. While the sound is much more expansive than his earlier efforts, it also happens to be his finest record yet. The title track, smack dab in the middle of the record, is a slow build classic in the making. And so is the following track, the beautifully subtle “As I Watch You Slowly”.
Combining whip smart lyrics with Saenz’s laid-back delivery, the songs sneak up on the listener making for a greater appreciation of the layers with each repeated listen. The biggest surprise on the record, and the song that benefits most from repeated spins is the album closer, a cover of Ronnie James Dio’s (yup, that Ronnie James Dio) “Rainbow in the Dark.”
Given how satisfying a listen All My Shame is, turns out the eight year wait for the record was well worth it.
Photo credit: Chrisi Bickford
