Album of the Day

The Nonesuch label's Explorer series was best known for releasing indigenous music from every corner of the world when it turned its curatorial eye on the U.S. in 1991. Among the roots artists spotlighted was Charlie Feathers, whose self-titled album is a highlight of the American Explorer series. A contemporary of Elvis Presley, Feathers is beloved by fans for his mid-'50s King singles, and working with producer Ben Vaughn and such talented instrumentalists as guitarist Roland James, he successfully recaptures that sound. The extra decades add character to Charlie's voice (critic Robert Christgau called it “eerily displaced” in his favorable Entertainment Weekly review) on such tracks as “Pardon Me Mister,” “Mean Woman Blues” and “We Can't Seem To Remember To Forget.” If rockabilly or backwoods country hold any appeal to you, CHARLIE FEATHERS is the genuine article.