As the
Catalpa Boys, brothers Jake and Joshua Housh live far apart; in Columbus, Ohio and the Bay Area of California, respectively. As members of bands like
Moviola, Our Lady of the Highway, and Nickel Beer Riot, the brothers cut their teeth in the world of indie rock. Here they join forces as a no-nonsense folk duo. On this self-titled debut, they offer up 13 examples of intimate music at its finest. "Single Seer" kicks things off, and could easily have been born in Nashville or Memphis, its warm sentimentality for friends and family setting things off to a refreshing start. "Money in the Bank" is a sweet, steady soliloquy to a lover, and "Cat Autry" is a playful ode to
Gene Autry's legend. The album's second half keeps the mood soulful and frolicsome at the same time. "Squabble" is a light-hearted reflection, "All My Tomorrows" is a defiant medley, and "Anchored Airplanes" is a soft observation on internal strife. The disc ends with "Resurrection," a toe-tapping gem in the tradition of family singalongs. An assortment of instruments (including pump organ, mandolin, tremolo harmonica, musical saw, bass fiddle and piano) keeps the collaboration colorful and unique throughout. In the end, the brothers put together an album as solid and far-reaching as the breed of tree that inspired their name. Anyway Records released the disc in 2004. ~ Stephen Cramer