Modern Alternative Folk artist Edwin McCain is not only a singer songwriter, but a poet, lyricist and storyteller. McCain’s seventh album and debut on Vanguard records
“Lost in America” is absolutely superb. McCain’s blend of southern soul and acoustic storytelling was planted some 20 years ago in Greenville, SC where he was born and raised and where he resides today. Born into a musical family, “My sister is a great singer, my dad played guitar and sax, and my mom plays piano.” He was destined for greatness.

The McCain band includes McCain on vocals and acoustic guitar, Craig Shields on Wurlitzer, piano, B3, Saxophones and accordion, Larry Chaney on acoustic and electric guitars, Pete Riley on acoustic guitars, electrics guitars and background vocals, Lee Hendricks on bass guitar and Dave Harrison on drums, percussion and background vocals.

McCain is best know for his stellar track, “I’ll Be” from the late nineties on the “Misguided Roses” album which was voted one of the most romantic ballads and on WB TV show, “Dawson’s Creek” sent McCain’s career into overdrive. The song was getting nearly 2,000 spins a week.

McCain has the most delightful whiskey, raspy vocals tracks that are both seductive and stripped down for the listener’s ears. “Lost in America” was recorded at McCain’s OMG studio in Greenville, SC and produced by Noel Golden (Matchbox Twenty/Lee Ann Womack) This disc is more up tempo and more rockin’ than previously recorded material. He is truly stretching himself. The CD was recorded live in the studio with everybody playing as a unit.

His songs are very easy and soulful and understandable for his fans to digest. “Songwriting has always been the main thing,” he said. “It’s a funny-you can dress’em up however you want but it always comes back to the song, to the acoustic guitar and the voice. That’s how it started and that’s how it is today.”

“Gramercy Park Hotel,” the first single, is a sarcastic look at the mover’s and shakers in the entertainment industry, based on a trip McCain took to New York for a music industry dinner.

“Black And Blue,” a touching portrait of a young, troubled, drug addicted woman, co-written by Mia Sharp (worked together on “Scream and Whisper,”) features Craig Shields sax work, McCain’s acoustic guitar and Larry Chaney’s funky rhythm guitar fills.

“Welcome to Struggleville,” written by long-time friend of the band Bill Mallonee captures the life of a musician.

The title track, “Lost In America,” is like a little slice of Americana with the lyrics, “Lost In America, Land we are so proud of, We’ve got the cars, girls, money, drugs to get you out of your rut.” This song combines the impulses of the Heartland and Southern rock for a tale of America’s blue-collar workers, a population trying to find salvation in a world torn between material pleasures and mind numbing labor.

“Babylon,” another Mallonee song is a song about love gone wrong. This disc has more hard rock even verging on heavy metal guitar riffs on this track. It’s a fresh departure from McCain’s traditional ballads. “It’s darker, rougher and more aggressive than we’ve done before,” McCain explains. “It let’s you know what kind of band we are and what we can do live. We wanted to go out with a bang, not a quiet acoustic track like we’ve done on most records.”

Edwin McCain is the ultimate crooner. His lovely, raspy voice pulls you into his songs. This disc you see him flexing his muscles and stretching himself a bit with this upbeat, rock tracks. It’s ten tracks of sheer enjoyment. Check out this engaging CD, you won’t be disappointed. www.edwin.com