When one thinks of this kind of acoustic folk-blues coming out of Minnesota, with barely any accompaniment, a scratchy voice, and a social awareness, one thinks of
Dylan. But listening to
Sleepwalks and Criminals, it's a good bet that Minneapolis'
John Wills has spent more time digging what the young
Dylan himself dug, old black Delta blues, Southern Appalachian folk 'n' hillbilly, and
Woody Guthrie. This stuff is quiet and sometimes sleepy (the creeping waltz "Great Jones and Broadway" -- which shows he knows the Big Apple, not just Minnieappleton), light picking stuff that is perfect when you just don't want anything with blaring guitars and hammering drums. Coming to a coffeehouse or folk den near you?