SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOHN R. MILLER – DEPRECIATED

John R. Miller
Depreciated
Rounder Records

Yet another Americana/alt country album you would say? Maybe. That is a remark that you can encounter from anyone that isn’t too keen on the genre and takes only a cursory listen to Depreciated, the debut album by singer/songwriter/guitarist John R. Miller.

But a cursory listen will not do here, particularly for those who follow any even remotely roots-connected music. You see, Miller might look young, but he’s got that weathered, experience-drenched sense of songwriting, that crosses and references quite a few names into a very listenable bundle.

Names? Well, J. J. Cale crossed with Jimmy Buffet (in his more lucid state) and Billy Swan, who has taken a detailed listen to Ry Cooder’s early record collection (the folk/country part) and then decided to reinterpret it as Drive-By Truckers would do. And you can pick any track you wish here, that all have that touch.

Sounds weird? Actually, not really, but it certainly sounds good and very assured, as this was his seventh or eighth album, not his first. Of course, the seasoned backing crew does its best to create such a seasoned sound, but it wouldn’t have worked if Miller hadn’t had the creativity and capability to make Depreciated work. And he certainly does.

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