Jeff Eaton, "Wish You Were Here"

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By Roger "Red" Byrne
Freelancers United, Inc.

It may share the same title as a classic Pink Floyd LP, but don't expect Jeff Eaton's "Wish You Were Here" (http://www.jeffeaton-music.com) to be the work of depressed individual. Quite the contrary, actually. Eaton is one of the freshest voices in Americana, bringing an optimistic, thoughtful perspective to a genre saturated with burned-out alcoholics.

Unlike many of today's roots rockers, Eaton's view of the world isn't one of dust and despair. "Take Your Breath Away" is a gentle love song that is romantic as a tune can be without being too syrupy. But it's on the second cut, "Flood," where Eaton's shining talent bursts through. With its breezy guitar riffs and highly melodic vocals, "Flood" is a glimmering jewel of a song.

If "Flood" reminds you of the Bible, it's not a coincidence. A number of Eaton's tunes unveil his Christian beliefs but not in a blatant fashion. Eaton is more of a poet. On "Your Love," he describes God as "This consuming fire/Reaching down from above." How invigorating it is to hear classic rock with substance. If Eaton's sound is retro - think Bruce Springsteen (without the histrionics), Tom Petty, Bob Dylan - it's not that he's trying to. He is simply being himself, avoiding the gimmicks of modern rock for timeless appeal.