Chris Staples has really found his niche post-Twothirtyeight. Blackest Hair, Bluest Eyes is a solo, alt-country, rock compilation that was put together with tracks from former releases originally appearing on Burned and Blistered, a limited release on CD-R only, and Panama, also a limited-run release from mid-2001. There are two new tracks here, "Something to Break" and "American," both awesome, slower country musings whose lyrics really make you feel like you're inside Staples' head. That's the real glory in Chris Staples: His words are accessible and almost always allow you understand how he feels. These same feelings are once again conveyed on this record with solid musicianship behind him and are a good reason to look forward to a true new release, said to be ready by October. In the mean time, this CD is wonderful.
Editors' ratings — Doug 2.5/5, David 3/5
