The Wayside is most noted for being John J. Thompson's band. Thompson is the force behind True Tunes, the former print publication and mail-order catalog, and now that other Chicago-based web site (besides the Phantom Tollbooth) where cool Christians everywhere click on over to get news and reviews on all the best in Alternative Christian Music. Having a hefty responsibility as publisher/editor of such a popular and extensive publication, it is surprising but perhaps not so extraordinary--that Thompson would also be the leader of a successful ACM band in his own right. Where does he find the time? Regardless, The Wayside is a greater Chicago area-based band deserving of more than just great local band status.
Farm is a pleasant palette of alternative folk rock frenzy, contemporary alt-country magic, and all around real down home goodness. John J. Thompson sings, as well as plays the lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars. He's also credited with most of the songwriting, when he isn't sharing that credit with his wife Michelle. She contributes the other (and better) half of the lead vocal responsibilities. Chris Wicklas plays the drums and Marc Ludena lays down the bass for a rough and tumble, yet tight rhythmic section. A number of special guests fill out the sound, including Bob Madden, Randy Kerkman, the ubiquitous Phil Madeira, and former Vigilante of Love musical prodigy Kenny Hutson. Consequently, there is a lot of rolling lap and/or pedal steel guitar bits and the occasional mandolin or mando-guitar licks.
The band's love of Alternative Christian rock and folk music in general shows through in this eclectic musical mix. The first track, an urgent prayer called "See You," is reminiscent of The Choir's "Circle Slide" with a roots-rock spin. The gutsy blues-rock of "Long Time" could almost pass for an additional track on Adam Again's Perfecta album. Other songs, such as "Echo of a Name," "From Up Here," and "Summer Song" show The Wayside's affection for Americana fare like Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, and the Vigilantes of Love. Nevertheless, The Wayside are no mere cover band ripping off sounds and styles, but incorporating them into a collage that is distinctively their own and quite measurably pleasurable.
In a whirlwind of wholesome musical inspiration, The Wayside clan have whipped together a worthy album that largely takes the listener along a difficult and emotional journey through Thompson's childhood trials. His experiences growing up on a farm with an alcoholic for a would-be father and a burdened saint for a trusted mother have provided a wealth of material for songs with deep emotional resonance and striking examples of the power of redemption. A testament to his writing background, Thompson knows how to turn a good phrase as well. The album's lyrics are not only compelling, but rich with clever metaphors and phrases. The country-ish number, "So Long," is an excellent example of The Wayside at their literate, poetic best:
Hate to sound intrusive
But I wonder what you think you're doin'
Saw you in the moonlight yesterday
Holding the handle of a broom
Sweeping all the floors
And the corners of your private room
Hell bent for spiders candlewax
and a gallon of gloom
Hope you got it good and clean
I think I know exactly what you mean
When you say it ain't over yet
When you mutter to yourself
Do you think that even you are hearing
The disconnected logic of a sinner
Spent his whole life fearing
The bumps at night and streams of light
Remind you that the end is nearing
Your stomach lurches on the thought
That the clouds you see
Ain't never clearing
Hope the daylight comes someday
Helps you drive the shadows away
Like a bad memory.
Days spent on this Farm are not always carefree, and often just plain dark, but there is enough hope and joy here to till your soul's soil. Taking repeated trips down this dusty ole memory lane is well worth going out of your way.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Ken MuellerThe Wayside's John Thompson spent three years of his childhood on a farm. Not the pretty farms we see in the movies, but a dust bowl type of farm where the work and life were hard...very hard. The album Farm chronicles the journey that Thompson has taken--a pilgrimage from a life plagued by a dysfunctional, mostly absentee father, to a new life with a new Father. Lyrically, that journey begins…
