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One of the unspoken rules at the Phantom Tollbooth is that any discs that go unclaimed, or for some reason, have not been reviewed, get sent to me.  This leads to some challenges – i.e. how to say something positive about a less than enjoyable CD, a lack of familiarity with the performer, and a likelihood that we may never hear from this artist again.

Every so often, though, I get a disc that renews my hope in listening to the “forgotten” stack.  Carwreck Conversations is one of those discs.  Produced by Marvin Etzioni (former toad the wet sprocket collaborator), this album by Ralston belongs in the upper echelons of this year’s Americana-oriented releases.

From the opening cover of “What Kind of Friend” (Mark Heard) to the fantastic closer (“Draper”), Ralston stays in the terrain of Mark Knopfler and Joel Henderson vocally, occasionally meandering elsewhere – “Everybody But You” is countryish, while “What About Me” ventures into Neil Diamond territory without becoming overwrought.

Etzioni’s mandolin provides a complimentary tone to Bowles’ vocals and acoustic guitar.  Even when Ralston tackles familiar territory (“Grace” – not a U2 cover), he does in such a way that the lyrics will challenge the listener and provide a new perspective on old subjects.

Brian A. Smith
11 December 2004