SLUG MAG by Martin Hollis

JABE
Drama City
Woodeye Records

Upon hearing the new album from Jabe, one could be forgiven for thinking Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy were the last great alt-country rockers. Drama City exceeds anything done by the great Uncle Tupelo, from the raging ferocity of "Kelly McGuire" to the near Johnny Cash-like "Pitch Black Road". The album changes tones and moods, yet always keeps a sense of self-deprecating humor throughout, whether intoning about love, drink or even necrophilia (surely a first for country). Jabe Beyer's lyrics stay razor-sharp and a sense of knowing wit stays throughout the record, with the exception of the beautiful, honest "Jerk." Country music has never sounded so fresh.