Greg Ashley is a cynic, and it suits him well. He also has a lot of stories about drugs and alcohol, which don't seem to agree with him so much, though that doesn't necessarily stop him from exploring them as an occasional option. These two sides of
Ashley's creative personality dominate his 2017 album
Pictures of Saint Paul Street, a set of ten songs that deal with the lesser side of human nature as seen through
Ashley's eyes. Titles like "Self-Destruction Derby," "A Sea of Suckers," and "Bullshit Society" give you an idea of
Ashley's dour view of the world around him, but musically
Pictures of Saint Paul Street is surprisingly jaunty. With playfully jazzy piano figures dominating many of the songs, and clarinet and fiddle adding texture to others, this album trades in
Ashley's psychedelic influences in favor of an upbeat sound best described as an indie rocker's 21st century variation on ragtime. (Though "Bullshit Society" and "Jailbirds and Vagabonds" deliver a significantly more downbeat sound, the latter is clearly influenced by
Ashley's well-documented fascination with
Leonard Cohen). The push and pull between
Ashley's lyrics, which often deal with the drug-and booze-addled misadventures of various sad sacks (some of whom may or may not be
Ashley himself) and the upbeat approach of the music gives this album an engaging emotional dynamic, and it points to the strength of
Ashley's lyrics and melodies, which complement one another especially well on these sessions. It also helps that
Ashley owns his own recording studio, which allows him to give this album a simple but satisfying sound that adds to both the humor and the bite of his tales.
Pictures of Saint Paul Street is every bit as satisfying as the cheap wine or stepped-on cocaine favored by some of
Ashley's characters, and it won't give you a hangover in the morning. ~ Mark Deming