The first thing that hits you right in the solar plexus about Sad Bastard Songs is Jay Berndt's voice. He has a huge, booming voice that is full of soul and emotion. That booming voice comes from his previous job as lead singer of the metal band Kilgore, but I think it has more impact on these songs. The songs you hear on this album are very poignant and personal. Jay sings like his life depends on it. He wears his heart on his tattooed sleeve.
I know what you're thinking...What am I going to get for my hard earned money? How about an autobiography done to some fine country/rock music? Berndt tells you stories, some about his past ("Different Things") and some about the present ("Jessica, The Tattooed Lady"). I'll tell you something that you won't get and that's a throw away song. You're not getting any filler here. Every song has a purpose and a reason to be included. This isn't a job for Jay, it's part of him. Berndt, isn't trying to make it on the radio or sell millions of records. If it happened, fantastic, couldn't happen to a better guy. He's just different from the typical processed pop musician with a cowboy hat, he's a more spiritual, country/rocker.
Different you say, please tell me more. Jay Berndt, writes all of his own songs and plays most of the instruments himself. He's gotten help from some of his talented friends, a few have been mentioned before in this very blog. Berndt has a vision for each song, like they are a child. You truly understand this dedication to his craft by the end of the album. It's an experience that you can't turn off until it has been completed. Then you want to start it all over again.
The bottom line is, quality. That's what it's all about. There are a lot of albums out there that only have two, maybe three, good songs on it. Every song, minus the opening theme on Sad Bastard Songs, could be released as a single. To me, that sounds like money well spent.
To see Jay Berndt Live, go here. If you're within 50 miles, you should go. The Throttles, who have been profiled here before are also playing on the bill. And it's FREE...there's no better price than that.
Check out Jay Berndt here.
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