Canadian alt-Country types The John Henrys return with their third album White Linen. Not being massively up on the Canadian music scene myself (apart from all abiding love of The Arcade Fire), I was not familliar with these guys – but did instantly approve of their splitting their track listings on the back of the album into ‘Side One’ and ‘Side Two’. So what does this particular offering sound like? It’s a winner!
The John Henrys have a great classic American rock sound (despite being from further North than that) – although they are described as Country, and there is a whiff of the cowboy hat about the place – mostly this is just good old fashioned rock n’ roll. It’s reminiscent of  The Eagles and Neil Young, with singer Rey Sabatin Jr’s cracking vocals having more than a passing resemblance to Tom Petty. This album combines twangy guitar with bluesy piano,whirly organ, that great drawly voice and some dirty bass to make something at the same time nostalgic and new.
I generally tend to go track by track and talk about what I like, but this is such a greatly structured, overall lovely sounding little beast of an album that there’s no real need – because the whole thing is dead good. I love the first track Little One, for the fact that it sets the secene so well and defines where this album is going. Peace of Mind has lovely piano – White Linen makes me want to slow dance with someone (preferably wearing a cowboy hat). Each track has it’s own merits, and I genuinely liked all of them instantly – and they just get better with each listen.
This is a cracking album for driving about with the top down on your car (or maybe just the sunroof open if you don’t have the budget!) and singing along cheerfully. It’s unadulterated Americana, classic sounding and ace. If you like Tom Petty (and you might have guessed I do), please get a hold of this. Great stuff.
check out more at www.thejohnhenrys.com Â