Album of the Day

Wooden Smoke, by Mike Keneally (2002): If there was ever an album that sounded like the album title and cover art, this is it. After a couple of "Beer for Dolphins" records, Mike went solo again for this largely acoustic effort. I always think of autumn and the first firing up of wood stoves when I listen to this album. There are only a few traditional songs on the album (such that they'd get played live), while most of the tracks float and meander along. That's not to say it's formless or pointless, just very laid back. And it contains one of my favorite Keneally tracks, "Dee 'N' A," with its twin acoustic guitar opening leading to a lengthy electric solo. Good stuff.