Day 1: Satellite Soul - Self Titled

I was given this record in college by the J.Edward Keys, the coolest guy in my dorm (the guy who wrote for the Philadelphia Enquierer and now writes for The Rolling Stone, the guy with aligator green Doc Martin boots). He got this album to review and handed it to me in the library one day. "Hey freshman, I think you'll dig these guys."

I did dig these guys. They made me want to road trip out to Kansas where the band photos were taken. It made me take up the harmonica.

This band was no doubt signed due to the popularity of The Wallflowers and The Gin Blossoms at the time. I like CCM Magazine's original review that said "this is a plaintalkin' midwestern roots rock album; like John Mellencamp went to Bible College." The harmonica is featured throughout and Tim Suttle's lyrics are still convicting. A little Rich Mullins shines through with the hammer dulcimer. "Interstate Travel" and "Either Way" are fantastic. "Pieces" and "Equal to the Fall" are also great. This album holds up nicely 15 years later. They lyrics are delivered with a Dylan-like machine gun blast and the music is rootsy. Best lyric: "I'm not as smart as I say I am".

In an interesting note, lead singer Tim Suttle is now a pastor, author and blogger for the Huffington Post. He comes from Kansas, a state so red it doesn't even snow there, but he has a balanced view towards faith and politics. That's something we need in this day and age.

4.5 stars