Jesse Malin - Glitter in the Gutter

The appeal of Everyman rocker Jesse Malin is wrapped up in his ability to execute three tasks exceedingly well: create big choruses, infuse said choruses with earnest vocals, and support each song with guitars that alternate between those with the power to cause hands to rise and fists to pump and those which tenderly usher in a ballad. Malin's third solo project (and first for Billie Joe Armstrong's Adeline Records) continues in this vein and delivers a collection of straight ahead rock gems. The album begins well enough with a trio of agreeable rockers but its true heart begins to beat on track four, "Broken Radio", featuring a staggeringly beautiful duet between Malin and longtime influence Bruce Springsteen. "Broken Radio" initiates a string of six excellent tracks which are among the best of the album's material. Among those include the active, anthemic rock of "Prisoners of Paradise" and "Lucinda," an alt-country ode to alt-country sweetheart Lucinda Williams. The lineup of supporting players on the album evidence that Malin's continued development and amiable nature have garnered him wide-ranging respect. Besides the appearance from the Boss, Malin receives assistance from longtime pal Ryan Adams as well as Jakob Dylan, Josh Homme and Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. Well-produced and well-written, Glitter in the Gutter has the potential to truly take Malin's populist charm to a greater segment of the populace. [www.jessemalin.com]