I've always considered Mark Huff to be an intriguing storyteller, but the development of his musical style over the years seems most evident when comparing the relatively simple arrangement of She Did from 1991's Happy Judgement Day to the new lush, full version on his latest release, Clean.

This new album features standard rock elements, along with ringing steel guitar and melancholy harmonica, and it's lightly sprinkled with banjo, piano and other instruments for a big, yet carefully detailed sound. The songs range from the straight up rock of the title track, the whiskey-stained honky-tonk of Eyes Of Wonder, the quietly introspective Brother, to the rollicking bar-room foot-stomper, Drinkin' Bout You. This collection exemplifies Huff's ongoing ability to craft hooky, yet unpredictable songs. Now go buy a copy!

Poizen Ivy