May 28 , 2006

The Chicago Sun-Times

Jeffrey Foucault
Ghost Repeater

(out of 4 Stars)

Across the American heartland, empty radio studios known as "ghost repeaters" beam nonstop inoffensive, middle-of-the-road pop ditties to semiconscious listeners. Thankfully, Wisconsin singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault does not pander to this distressingly wide audience, but rather incorporates the best of the Americana, alt-country and roots-rock genres into his third solo album.

Those who recall Bruce Springsteen in the pre-"Born to Run" days will hear echoes of the Boss in Foucault's lyrics, as well as the best of the Texas troubadours, including Joe Ely and Butch Hancock. But there's nothing derivative about Foucault's haunting allusions, which often juxtapose two incongruous images ("midnight's breaking day," "one part love and one part grief"). Sometimes it seems as if he's tossing off lines just to see what sticks, but the fundamental truths that emerge are undeniable.

Musically, Foucault has created a harmonious minimalist sound that's driven by his acoustic strumming and the economical Mark Knopfler-style electric fretwork of veteran Iowa guitarist Bo Ramsey, a longtime collaborator with folkie Greg Brown who doubles as producer. With strong contributions from Dave Moore on accordion and Eric Heywood on pedal steel, there's a tumbling tumbleweeds sensibility to Ghost Repeater reminiscent of the finest Dust Bowl anthems.

- Jeff Johnson