Don'T Swim Too Close

Ben Crum aka Great Lakes is a indie lifer. He's been at it since the mid-90's and over that time he's received some high praise as a major force in the Americana song-writer world from outlets like Mojo, Uncut, Stereo Embers, and Magnet to name a few. Ben always ran from the Americana tag, but as the years piled on, he's come around to it, and this new Great Lakes album 'Don't Swim Too Close' is very much a dark Americana album. The album is personal, part confessional, and at times like an open memoir. The title track is about a heavy depression Ben suffered while recovering from a severe concussion. A walk-through of the album starts with, 'Another Klaxon Sounds,' which asks 'how much of the truth are you willing to tell?' 'On the Way Back,' is next. It's a song about writing, which features the lyric: 'you're never as free as when you're ignored.' The album continues with 'Carry the Message.' a phrase quoted by one of the guys in David Berman's band as saying those were the last words he heard him say. The next song, 'Like an Open Grave,' sounds a bit like The Band backing some undiscovered cosmic Southern songwriter. Next is the title track. It's got a classic Doug Sahm groovin' vibe that soundtracks the dejected and the regretful point of view of the song's protagonist. 'Seeing Through Her' is a love song about a real moment standing at the foot of the front range of the Rocky Mountains, newly in love and as certain of his future. In 'Meant to Fly' is about Ben's envy for the birds ('they don't call this place America, to them it's just the land'). 'Song for the Old Man' is a tribute to Ben's father, who died this year. Finally, closer 'Are We Here Accidentally?' ponders ultimate meaning. It's rare to see a band 25 years and 8 albums into their career still moving forward and growing and aging gracefully. 'Don't Swim Too Close' is instant at times, but it rewards more and more with each listen, especially with headphones on.