Interior Live Oak

Published: Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 4:00 am

Cass McCombs' "Interior Live Oak": A Masterclass in Songwriting

Cass McCombs, a songwriter who emerged in the late 20th century, has released his latest album, "Interior Live Oak." The album showcases McCombs' evolution from a folk artist to a celebrated songwriter, drawing comparisons to legendary musicians like Lennon, Dylan, and Cohen.

"Interior Live Oak" presents a collection of 16 songs, each demonstrating McCombs' mastery of melody, arrangement, and lyrical depth. The album features character-driven narratives and bardic American songs that blend familiar musical elements with a unique, lived-in texture. The album's sound incorporates various styles, including folk, rock, soul, and country, with a production style that highlights the tactile aspects of the music.

McCombs collaborates with previous partners, creating a sound that is both effortless and modest. However, the album is filled with an impressive amount of lyrics, reminiscent of peak Paul Simon. McCombs' approach to songwriting involves crafting clever concepts and exploring them from multiple angles, resulting in songs that are both vast and intimate.

The album's songs, such as "Miss Mabee" and "Peace," demonstrate McCombs' ability to captivate listeners with both verbal wit and profound insights. "Who Removed the Cellar Door?" exemplifies the album's capacity to create intuitive connections, merging seemingly unrelated elements into a cohesive narrative.

BNN's Perspective:

"Interior Live Oak" is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted songwriting. McCombs' ability to blend familiar influences with his unique perspective results in an album that is both comforting and thought-provoking. It's a solid addition to his already impressive body of work.

Keywords: Cass McCombs, Interior Live Oak, album review, songwriting, folk music, rock music, soul music, country music, music review, new album, music, lyrics, melodies, arrangements, American music

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