432 - Peter Wolf - Sleepless

You may be like me and will only recognize Peter Wolf as the singer for the J Geils Band. Well, guess what. He's still making albums. This one was released in 2002.

I don't have any strong feelings about this album at all. It is certainly in the Adult Album Alternative territory occupied by Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, and other "mature" bluesy artists. Sleepless is a clean kind of blues. You expect to hear these songs at a concert hall or similar venue, not some seedy blues bar or hole in the wall. The vocals are mixed up front and the instruments straddle the country/blues line quite a bit.

At various times, Sleepless sounds like Bob Dylan, post-80's Rolling Stones (as well as Mick and Keith's solo efforts - oh, and both of them also appear on this album), Brothers in Arms's-less rocking tracks, and maybe a sprinkle or two of Tom Waits (mainly on "Homework") and Van Morrison.

It is a nice album, just not my cup of tea.

Songs I knew I liked: None

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Growin' Pain," "Nothing But the Wheel," "Run Silent, Run Deep," and "Hey Jordan" (I'd love to hear either Van Morrison or Edie Brickell & New Bohemians cover this)

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: I don't feel strongly one way or another about the songs to say I'd miss any.