Georgia Blue (Southeastern, 2021)
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh
The album opens and closes with two R.E.M. songs. Opener is the gentle, reflective "Night Swimming" and the closer, "Driver 8." In between, Isbell either sings or has guests singing some of the greatest pop songs in history. Brittney Spencer performs James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World," which is a little unusual coming from a female perspective. Spencer also shines, along with John Paul White, on Gladys Knight & The Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia," which comes complete with a soulful horn section.
Although there are plenty of golden oldies included some of these selections lean toward the more obscure side. Vic Chesnutt, for instance, is saluted with "I'm Through," while Isbell's wife, Amanda Shires, takes on Cat Power's "Cross Bones Style." And not everything is sung, either, as Isbell - the guitarist - skillfully navigates his way through The Allman Brothers Band's "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," which is as much jazz fusion, as it is Southern rock.
As good as this album is – and it is quite good – it may not fully satisfy Isbell fans like an Isbell album proper. He just sings so much more authoritatively when performing songs, he writes. Even so, it's still tough not to love this one as it features some of our favorite artists, singing some of our favorite songs.
CDs by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit









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