BAND: John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons

IMPRESSION: A “Must Read” for the Summer of 2012

This Impression… is sponsored by DP JUZA Woods & Fixtures

If songs are stories, and albums are books, John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons offer listeners a ‘must read” collection of short stories.

John Velghe

These hands were meant for telling three minute lies

– The Occupier

Regardless, if the stories are fictional, or based on true events, “Don’t Let Me Stay” does something for me that I haven’t experienced since Pete Yorn’s “Musicforthemorningafter”. 

The first time I heard Pete Yorn’s ”Musicforthemorningafter” I was a freshmen in high school. I put it in my discman and walked around town aimlessly. It served as a soundtrack to my life for weeks on end. It gave me the feeling of “Wow, I’m missing a lot in this world.” I felt that I didn’t yet know love, or life, or the struggles of either. (Being about 14 years old, I didn’t, and now just about ten years later, I’m not so sure I do yet.)

The only other album in it’s entirety to do that and bring back the “Wow, I’m missing things” feeling is “Don’t Let Me Stay”. 

Maybe it’s the vulnerability in John’s voice. Or perhaps the almost perfect composition of all parts of the band (Guitars, drums, bass, horns, mandolin and more!) “Don’t Let Me Stay” brings you on a musical journey you won’t soon forget.

I can’t pin point exactly why I like this album, perhaps it’s the diversity. You’ll find songs to get you up and moving and wanting to relocate to Austin, TX. You’ll also find songs that make the world around you slow down and offer the perfect narrative for reflection.

Or maybe what appeals to me is that John’s 20 plus years in music shows through in every song. Far past the point of needing to prove himself, John hasn’t slowed. Not only does he prove himself to be a great musician and songwriter, he does it with grace. In conversation he may give (deserving) credit to the musicians featured on the album, along with the guidance of his mentor, the legendary singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo (another sign of a great musician, being able to share the spot light), but John and his Prodigal Sons can rest easy knowing they’ve made an album that speaks volumes to their own talents in a very positive light.

Whatever the reason “Don’t Let Me Stay” speaks to me, I want to argue with the title and “Stay” with it for the foreseeable future, and then some. Letting it provide the perfect soundtrack for my day to day life.

Key Tracks:

Austin (You Sorta Stole My Heart)

Iron Skin

 For a preview or to purchase “Don’t Let Me Stay” visit www.johnvelghe.com
(it comes on VINYL!!! Extra points there!)

Agree or Disagree? Leave A Comment Below!

“Impressions…” is authored by Ryan Quinn. Contact him via email at RyanQuinn@AfterHoursRadio.org or on twitter @RyanJQuinn

This Impression… is sponsored by DP JUZA Woods & Fixtures