Introducing Karl Blau

The playfully titled *Introducing* recasts alt-folkie Karl Blau as a bejeweled country crooner. A gorgeous exercise covering left-field classics by artists like Townes Van Zandt (“If I Needed You”) and Tom T. Hall (“That’s How I Got To Memphis”), the album presents a vision of country more in tune with indie Americana than Nashville, leaning on plush, mellow arrangements and Blau’s beery baritone, which delivers the songs’ lovelorn lyrics with the slightest of winks.

If Young Americans was was Bowie's "plastic soul" era, this album heralds the birth of Karl Blau, the plastic cowboy.

If Young Americans was was Bowie's "plastic soul" era, this album heralds the birth of Karl Blau, the plastic cowboy.

Terrifically stylish tribute to country’s union with soul music. CD new music review by Kieron Tyler

Terrifically stylish tribute to country’s union with soul music. CD new music review by Kieron Tyler