Fred Wickham built his caravan of musicians in 2017. Back then, he hand-selected some of the best roots musicians that Kansas City had to offer. They supported him on his debut solo record Mariosa Delta. Now, Wickham and the boys are back with a collaborative album. Town Without Soul hit shelves and streaming on October 29th and has been turning heads in Midwestern folk and Americana circles.
Now, it took a while for this album to make it all the way to my speakers here in Eastern Tennessee. So, I’m a little late to the Fred Wickham party. But, I’m finally here for their expert blend of folk, rock, country, and soul. Their sound perfectly reflects the melting pot that is Americana: they take a little bit of everything, mix it together, and create something that is uniquely their own. However, the overall sound is one that fans of other folk and Americana acts will be familiar with. Listening to Town Without Soul for the first time is like meeting someone who you instantly feel like you’ve known your whole life. It’s warm, inviting, and most importantly interesting.
My Favorite Tracks from Fred Wickham Caravan’s Town Without Soul
Fred Wickham and his band packed Town Without Soul with ten solid Americana songs. Each one offers something a little different. However, heartache and longing are recurring themes. Being a big fan of sad songs and waltzes, I found it hard to pick favorites here, but after having the album in heavy rotation for a few days, I think I’ve nailed it down.
“Town Without Soul” –Fred Wickham Chooses a Killer Opener
I went into Town Without Soul completely blind. So, the album opener needed to grab me immediately. The Fred Wickham Caravan didn’t disappoint. Within the first few seconds of the song, a pedal steel guitar comes in hot and soaring. I’m a simple man. When I hear a good steel guitar, I’ll stick around.
Then, the lyrics came in and I knew I would be in good hands for the next half hour or so. The title track from Town Without Soul is something that many listeners will be able to relate to. In a way, it’s a story about revisiting your boring, soulless hometown and wishing you could steal that special someone away from there.
Even if you’re not hoping to sweep someone off their feet and take them out of that town, lyrics like “People pray but they never take a chance / Music plays but nobody dances / I lived here once, I couldn’t stay / Oh, in a town without soul,” will still grab you.
“Progress”
I’m going to be honest here, “Progress” is my favorite song on Town Without Soul. Fred Wickham and the boys ticked all the boxes for me on this one. It’s a slow waltz with plenty of steel guitar. However, the lyrics really got me. I can hear some heavy John Prine influence on this one.
It isn’t just the juxtaposition of darkness and heartache with tongue-in-cheek humor in the lyrics that calls back to Prine. Fred Wickham seems to be channeling the late great Kentucky-born legend in his vocals. This one will be on my playlists in the future.
“One for the Road”
The Fred Wickham Caravan says goodbye in style with the album closer. Americana and country music if full of songs about being gone, missing home, and traveling in general. However, “One for the Road” picks up before all the leaving, longing, and roaming.
To my ears, it’s a song about saying goodbye when you’d really rather stick around a while longer. “I packed up my bags / I’m ready to go. / Let’s have one for the road. / Give my regards to all of the boys. / Tell them I said hello.”
Final Thoughts on the Fred Wickham Caravan’s Record
If you’re a fan of soulful roots or Americana, give Fred Wickham and the boys a listen. Sonically, you’ll hear a little bit of everything from rock to country. Additionally, you can hear the influences of guys like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and John Prine. Overall, their sound is a great marriage of all of the best parts of American roots music.
