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Minnesota has brought us some amazing songwriters and musicians over the years.  From Dylan to Prince, the state has offered a wide range of abilities, styles, and talents.  Lately, there has been a plethora of underground singer/songwriters that have formed a loose community between them.  Most notable among these are Jonathan Rundman, Matt Patrick, Nate Houge, and Blaine Howard.

Out of that community comes another performer in the name of Tim Helmen.  His disc, _Another Season_, gives obvious nods to Dylan and Bill Mallonee, but also features a few more subtle influences as well.  Vocally, he is a prototypical coffeehouse, acoustic guitar, easy to listen to type of singer.

"Dance You a Story" is a Dylan meets Mark Knopfler type of piece.  "Room for Cream" depicts a chance meeting between two people in a coffeehouse, and projects what might happen. "Unchallenged Echoes" is old school folk in the mode of Nate Houge or T-Bone Burnett.  "When the Phone Rings" features a VOL guitar riff with more Dylan/Burnett style singing.

"Run With the Saints" shows Helmen in his best Bob mode, but with better inflection and more tuneful vocals.  "Long Shot", my favorite of these, is about rough life in a small town, and the inhabitants who cling to the tiniest sliver of hope they can find.

Like many folkies, Helmen has a pleasant voice that doesn't overstretch, handles his guitar adeptly, and is at his weakest when reaching for higher notes.  Another Season is almost an hour's worth of music that fits comfortably while reading, contemplating, or drinking coffee.

Brian A. Smith  6/4/2005