Cale Tyson describes himself as “heartachin’ and heartbreakin,’” an amusing sentiment from a fresh-faced Fort-Worth native with blue eyes and a boyish charm. He’s a pleasant contradiction: on stage, he spouts universal realities through creative and palatable lyrics; off stage, he speaks vulgarities between whiskey shots and two-dollar PBRs.
Consider this, maybe, the enigma of any talented singer-songwriter. At some point, we must all shred our illusions that their capacity to write songs about lonesome love makes them, somehow, greater than the average alcoholic.
The reason you should listen to Cale Tyson is because in no way does he try to appear as anything more than he is. He loves whiskey and wild women. He sings the praises of the outlaw country movement; the combination of a pedal steel guitar and wailing voice stands as a quality tribute to Waylon and Merle. His sense of humor is part self-deprecating and part-narcissistic; in other words, he is relatable.
Tyson’s music is raw and emotional, and completely without pretense. The first song on his self-titled EP, Homesick Blues, will become the beginning soundtrack to long drives through Nashville, when you’re feeling completely uncertain as to why you’re here and what you’re doing. You will know, like Cale, that “it is better to go home than to be buried all alone,” although you won’t be totally sure what that means for you.
You will then translate this uncertainty and loneliness into anger, deciding that every issue in your existence can be attributed to a bygone lover. And the second song on his EP, “Filthy Animal,” will help you shun that person to their demise. At some point in your drive, you’ll become overly introspective, listening to “Sweet Virginia Rain” and acknowledging, perhaps, that it was your own choice to dismiss this person from your life. But by the time you get to “Roll the Dice,” you will have reached the final stage of acceptance, realizing that in no way are you “trying to make no girl your wife.” This is the outlaw country, remember? And freedom will always taste bittersweet.
You should listen to Cale Tyson because he is just as confused as you are, and his music is like a friend that doesn’t judge, but instead sits at the bar and drinks two shots for your every one.
Playing Thursday with The Felice Brothers and Taylor Brashears.
Lockeland Springsteen 