Since Bob Dylan first showed the world that a guy with a guitar, good lyrics, and a lack-luster voice could make it to the big times, there has been a whole slue of artist that have said, “well I could do that.” Unfortunately, few, if any, come close to making the cut. Wooden Wand’s James Toth posses all the right qualities; twangy-folk guitar, unusual lyrics, harsh raspy voice, but manages to only produce a mediocre, and forgettable album. The opening track ‘The Pushers’ begins the album with a desperate and dark sound that gives an impression of something good to come. The second track ‘In a Bucket’ presents the listener further hope, with a slue of interesting and unusual lyrics, such as, “Sometimes gettin’ dressed is the most important meal of the day.” However, by the time the halfway point, ‘We Must Also Love the Thieves,’ Toth’s grating voice plus the less than inventive folk guitar may cause a sudden and uncontrollable loss of interest. If your attention span can hold out long enough to make it to the title track James and the Quiet make sure to listen to the lyrics, as this may be one of the few redeeming qualities to this album.
In the end this album is not completely worthless, but perhaps entirely forgettable. The most disappointing part may well be the compelling darkness of the first track, which gives listeners hope of something better than what they will ultimately receive. Anyone looking to hear some good folk rock is better off blowing the dust off some old Bob Dylan or Neil Young albums.
