In 1966, Don Kirschner was hired to produce music for a television show. The Monkees debut single went to #1, their album did the same.  It featured songs from some of the most accomplished songwriters in the business and played by seasoned studio professionals.  For some perplexing reason, the group wanted to write their own songs and perform in the studio.  Effectively amateurs, they spent an extraordinary amount of time in the studio recording a beautiful disaster.

The Lunatics were in charge of the asylum.

Co-Patriot is such an album.  Josh Matthews is a poet with a carbon fiber guitar and unfettered access to a recording studio.

I always say, if you don’t want to have your band compared to other artists then be prepared to suck.  This album is an inventive, creative, genre hopping tapestry of weird but it most definitely does not suck.

While it’s apparent that Mr. Matthews has been steeped in the production of the Pink Floyd from Saucerful of Secrets to the Final Cut his taste and playful arrangements underly a bitter sweet optimism that it’s muses could never realize. Jonathan Richman with a side order of Ween.
A Mike Doughty-esque delivery sometimes masks the true ingenuity and deftness of the word play and alliteration.  There are occasions where this cleverness tips a pinky toe into genius ( Dear John, A Good Life) and thankfully, never once does a hook wear out it’s welcome. (Way Before I Ever Knew You)

This restraint alone earns my appreciation and respect.

If you’re ready for a traditional folk record, this release will ruin your day.