Sideman guitarist and singer/songwriter
Aaron Lee Tasjan released his second solo album, 2016's Silver Tears, after moving base from New York to East Nashville. He steps away from the rootsier tendencies of that album toward a rock-centric front on his third LP, Karma for Cheap, while still exhibiting an eclectic style that reflects his diverse expertise. He's described the album as look back to the music that inspired him to take up the guitar as a preteen.
The Beatles are at the forefront of those inspirations on tracks including the opener, "If Not Now When," with its
Abbey Road-styled guitar riffs and
Lennon-esque vocal melody. The track gets things rolling with a loose-and-live performance demeanor and an undercurrent of glam rock that runs through many of the songs. The warped closer, "Songbird," also evokes
Lennon-
McCartney -- with an emphasis on
Lennon -- specifically recalling "I'm Only Sleeping," though recollections may vary. He struts into anthemic Brit-pop with the lush "The Truth Is So Hard to Believe," while later, the trippy ballad "Dream Dreamer" strips back accompaniment to acoustic guitar and atmospheric keys, with occasional piano, additional vocals, and effects. Under its psychedelia, it has an old-timey, pre-jazz era vibe in the manner of certain
McCartney tunes, without seeming to imitate him. Elsewhere, "Heart Slows Down" references another major influence,
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
Tasjan navigates these influences with the same ease as his earlier country-rock and blues, and the tributes come across as affectionate rather than rote. That's due in large part to a distinctive, emphatic voice and lyrics concerned with their own troubles and colorful characters. ~ Marcy Donelson