In the recent past, I've written about James Scott Bullard's mystery, troubles, sordid past and even raved his records and live shows.
What can I say?
I find him interesting, and my wife (much to my dismay) agrees, but for different reasons.
Either way, this time is no different, I continue my essay of Bullard's life and review of his work.
...And so, with two new records under his belt, the story continues;
James Scott Bullard started his career in a hard rock band, and not just any hard rock band, one that went on to be named: “One of the Top 5 in the Entire Southeast.”
After the disbanding of the quartet in late 2000 and deciding what step to take next, he drifted back and forth between South and North Carolina.
All while finding himself.
“Not very well.” he adds.
All while discovering a new sound.
All while writing what would become his first solo album: “Avenues of Sunshine.”
Released in 2003, “Avenues of Sunshine” was an album of decidedly pure Americana songs that was met with critical acclaim, which would later come back to haunt him.
By the time Bullard began writing songs for his second effort: “Same Old Ghosts”, not only was he was in the throes of turmoil: (A rapidly declining body due to drug addiction, which later ended in a rehab stint, a string of badly-ended relationships, and the loss of his father.) but the ‘bigwigs’ came sniffing around his door in the afterglow of “Avenues of Sunshine”; a record that Bullard had: “Outgrown stylistically.” he says.
“By this time, I had been given a crash course in Gram Parsons and all that spawned from his vision,
so my next record was going to be a country record I decided, and not the shit you hear today, a real honest to God honky-tonk country record, but done with a rock band!
Well, when I told the guys from the record companies this, they were less than happy.
When they heard “Avenues”, they were sure they had found; and I’m quoting here: (Their next John Mellencamp, Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen.) That wasn’t me anymore.”
Bullard and the ‘bigwigs’ quickly cut ties, and Bullard, unscathed, went forth with his vision.
The result was the 2007 release: “Same Old Ghosts.” An amazing alt.country record.
Again, met with massive critical acclaim, awards and accolades, Bullard accomplished what he set out to do.
Do you see a pattern forming here?
However, the comparisons began pouring in; “The New Gram Parsons” said one review,
“The Savior of the Country-Rock Movement” said yet another, and on and on it went.
Bullard enjoyed it until he realized he couldn’t live in the tall shadow Parsons’ left behind forever.
Again, a metamorphosis began.
This time Bullard said he decided to write/record whatever came out, no labels on it.
The end result, in my opinion his best work yet:
A two record set: “The-Star Crossed Sessions” and “Sunsets & Cigarettes.”
“The Star-Crossed Sessions”; with a full band behind it, this time less decidedly country, is a record that I would say covers every influence under Bullard’s belt.
There are Stones style rockers, heavy-blues stomps, and yes, the honky-tonk is still there as well.
And again, it’s all brilliant work.
Lyrically, Bullard has always been hard to beat; this time with lines like: “This town is just an old graveyard, so you better look alive.” Or “I ain’t askin’ you for salvation, just come watch me fall apart.” It’s obvious that that isn’t going to change.
There’s even a cleverly titled track: “Nobody Writes Letters Anymore”; in which some of Bullard’s female “friends” leave him some rather angry voicemails about his inability or unwillingness to return their calls. This plays just before a track called “S.O.B. Blues.” …Tongue planted firmly in cheek Mr. Bullard.
Then there’s the second album; “Sunsets & Cigarettes.” A stripped down, lonesome, acoustic record.
If I had to pick a favorite of the two, it would be this one.
The stories told on this record will destroy you and rebuild you again.
I tried my best to think of one word that hadn’t been overused to describe an artist’s work for this one, but all I came up with was; “heart-wrenching.”
This to me sounds more like I’m describing a romance novel or a chick flick, but whatever, it is what it is. These songs are heart-wrenching and I’ll stick by that 100%.
Whatever the case may be, it seems that everything James Scott Bullard sets out to do, he does without fail.
My dad used to say: “There are those who turn everything they touch to gold, but at what price to themselves?”
I don’t know what price James Scott Bullard has paid, but for records like these…Mr. Bullard, I say to you: it’s worth every last dime.
After the disbanding of the quartet in late 2000 and deciding what step to take next, he drifted back and forth between South and North Carolina.
All while finding himself.
“Not very well.” he adds.
All while discovering a new sound.
All while writing what would become his first solo album: “Avenues of Sunshine.”
Released in 2003, “Avenues of Sunshine” was an album of decidedly pure Americana songs that was met with critical acclaim, which would later come back to haunt him.
By the time Bullard began writing songs for his second effort: “Same Old Ghosts”, not only was he was in the throes of turmoil: (A rapidly declining body due to drug addiction, which later ended in a rehab stint, a string of badly-ended relationships, and the loss of his father.) but the ‘bigwigs’ came sniffing around his door in the afterglow of “Avenues of Sunshine”; a record that Bullard had: “Outgrown stylistically.” he says.
“By this time, I had been given a crash course in Gram Parsons and all that spawned from his vision,
so my next record was going to be a country record I decided, and not the shit you hear today, a real honest to God honky-tonk country record, but done with a rock band!
Well, when I told the guys from the record companies this, they were less than happy.
When they heard “Avenues”, they were sure they had found; and I’m quoting here: (Their next John Mellencamp, Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen.) That wasn’t me anymore.”
Bullard and the ‘bigwigs’ quickly cut ties, and Bullard, unscathed, went forth with his vision.
The result was the 2007 release: “Same Old Ghosts.” An amazing alt.country record.
Again, met with massive critical acclaim, awards and accolades, Bullard accomplished what he set out to do.
Do you see a pattern forming here?
However, the comparisons began pouring in; “The New Gram Parsons” said one review,
“The Savior of the Country-Rock Movement” said yet another, and on and on it went.
Bullard enjoyed it until he realized he couldn’t live in the tall shadow Parsons’ left behind forever.
Again, a metamorphosis began.
This time Bullard said he decided to write/record whatever came out, no labels on it.
The end result, in my opinion his best work yet:
A two record set: “The-Star Crossed Sessions” and “Sunsets & Cigarettes.”
“The Star-Crossed Sessions”; with a full band behind it, this time less decidedly country, is a record that I would say covers every influence under Bullard’s belt.
There are Stones style rockers, heavy-blues stomps, and yes, the honky-tonk is still there as well.
And again, it’s all brilliant work.
Lyrically, Bullard has always been hard to beat; this time with lines like: “This town is just an old graveyard, so you better look alive.” Or “I ain’t askin’ you for salvation, just come watch me fall apart.” It’s obvious that that isn’t going to change.
There’s even a cleverly titled track: “Nobody Writes Letters Anymore”; in which some of Bullard’s female “friends” leave him some rather angry voicemails about his inability or unwillingness to return their calls. This plays just before a track called “S.O.B. Blues.” …Tongue planted firmly in cheek Mr. Bullard.
Then there’s the second album; “Sunsets & Cigarettes.” A stripped down, lonesome, acoustic record.
If I had to pick a favorite of the two, it would be this one.
The stories told on this record will destroy you and rebuild you again.
I tried my best to think of one word that hadn’t been overused to describe an artist’s work for this one, but all I came up with was; “heart-wrenching.”
This to me sounds more like I’m describing a romance novel or a chick flick, but whatever, it is what it is. These songs are heart-wrenching and I’ll stick by that 100%.
Whatever the case may be, it seems that everything James Scott Bullard sets out to do, he does without fail.
My dad used to say: “There are those who turn everything they touch to gold, but at what price to themselves?”
I don’t know what price James Scott Bullard has paid, but for records like these…Mr. Bullard, I say to you: it’s worth every last dime.
James Scott Bullard’s:
“The Star-Crossed Sessions” and “Sunsets & Cigarettes” both available now.
For more information on this artist:
www.myspace.com/jamesscottbullard
