Calvin Johnson & The Sons Of The Soil

Calvin Johnson & The Sons Of The Soil

[2.5/5] As the frontman behind seminal indie bands such as Beat Happening, the Halo Benders and Dub Narcotic Sound System, Calvin Johnson has accrued a portfolio of lo-fi, heart-on-sleeve hits in spite of trends in and outside of the mainstream. Sons Of The Soil finds Johnson reworking songs from his many projects for a modern presentation with a band of experienced musicians. K Records artists Kyle Field (Little Wings), Adam Forkner (Yume Bitsu) and Jason Anderson all lend a hand for versions of “Booty Run” (Dub Narcotic), “Love Travels Faster” (the Halo Benders) and other classic Johnson compositions. The uninitiated will likely stare wide-eyed on a first listen to the staggering baritone that stamped the K shield, as well as the somewhat countrified Northwest Americana propping it up like an attentive barkeep. The rest of us will realize that it sorta blows, like most Calvin Johnson records. (K) Mike McKee