Amos Lee: Last Days at the Lodge...

Amos Lee, the school teacher turned singer-songwriter, recently released his third studio album "Last Days at the Lodge" and boy has he grown. Let's take it back to 2005 when Rodeo forced me to attend Amos' debut album release party at the Bitter End in NYC. It was a cold March night and after a long day at work, the last thing I wanted to do was sit through some unknown's set, but I relented and went. Thank goodness I did -- that was the night I fell in love with Amos. His stage presence was that of a veteran performer only to be matched by his witty banter with an audience he won over in seconds. He crooned his way through his set and even incited a drunken sing-a-along to "We Are The World" to close out the show.

His self-titled debut album was a nice introduction to Amos Lee the musician, a guitar strumming crooner, and definitely caught the attention of critics as Rolling Stone called him one of the "Top 10 Artists to Watch." But the album's tracks never caught fire and many were licensed to dramatic TV shows ("Colors" was used in both House and Grey's Anatomy ). Lee's second album "Supply and Demand" was a more soul guided attempt that had a certain smoothness throughout. While his third effort, "Last Days at the Lodge," touts a more grown up, soul baring Lee with a bit of swagger.

The basic components are still present, emphasis on lyrics and an even-tempered approach, but the production feels more in-depth. Rather than relying on his vocals and his guitar, Lee allows the band to have more of a presence and it pays off in dividends. In the bluesy, upbeat track "Truth," Lee plays the perfect frontman wailing lyrics like "You should've told me the truth son... I'ma beat it outta you" with a believable swagger.

Lee goes on to top himself with "Street Corner Preacher," which features a simple beat, a pulsing percussion and guitar that will have you grooving before he even enters the picture. As always, Lee digs deep with lyrics that tell the story of a conflicted preacher in this Dylan-esque track.

Though I appreciate the growth and the more bluesy efforts, I can't help but favor the comforting arrangement of "What's Been Going On." This is Lee's element, he's at his best as the love-stricken crooner filled with regret on track that starts out even tempered and builds in time. Some of Lee's strongest vocals are featured and he sends a chill up your spine with the opening "And no one says a word to me/ They're concerned with my jealousy/Well I guess that's how it's gotta be/From now on"

I've included some links to check out tracks off "Last Days at the Lodge." What do you think of Amos?

Street Corner Preacher:


What's Been Goin On:



Truth:


And just for Rodeo - Mutlu Amos "CARAMEL"