A line from track 6, 'Black Tornado' provides a salutary warning to the listener, 'If you judge me tonight, judge me by the songs I write'. Before this disc arrived I had a firm idea of what to expect (although I'd never actually heard any of his work!), he was derivative of Dylan, Springsteen etc., and I was ready not to enjoy this album. How wrong could I have been? - 'New American Language' is a distinct and truly exceptional album, and one that grabs you from the first few seconds of the opener 'Sweetness', to the final notes of the album's closer 'Thanksgiving Day Parade' (more on that track later).
This is a really dynamic disc, both musically and lyrically and switches between acoustic based, intimate & heartfelt songs ('God Said No' & 'Albuquerque Lullaby'), to out and out rockers ('Alaska Highway') with wonderful lyrics and unlimited energy from the superb band.
Any of the tracks could be picked out as highlights, but there are two tracks that really define this album - the title track is wonderfully smooth and laid back, and both melodic and lyrically strong. Despite this song, it's the 10½ minute long 'Thanksgiving Day Parade' that dominates the disc, and ironically, this is the one track where the Dylan references really jump out. This song is obviously heavily influenced by Dylan's 'Desolation Row' - the delivery is very similar, and even melodic themes are shared in places. 'Thanksgiving Day Parade' builds from a restrained start, adding instrumental layer verse by verse, until it reaches its rousing climax - it stands out a both a great homage to the Dylan track, and as a brilliant piece of work in it's own right.
What makes 'New American Language' the disc that it is, is it's cohesiveness and consistency - all the songs are strong and the sequencing of the tracks is perfect, the changes of pace come at just the right time, and help provide a brilliant listening experience. A superb singer/songwriter disc, and a future classic. 

£13.49