89. Strand of Oaks – "Eraserland"

It is not easy being an overlooked genius. Tim Showalter releases yet another excellent collection of nu-country alt-rock and the world once again looks on with indifference. All of Tim’s records as Strands of Oaks have been deeply personal, but “Eraserland” takes that self-confessional style one step further. This is a rock n’ roll album about falling out of love with rock n’ roll. It is less clever and self-referential than his previous records and straighter forward in its use of wide-screen Springsteen-esque americana. It’s also a perfect balance of utter beauty and painful heartbreak. I just wish it was more than me that was bothered.