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Tommy Womack has been kicking around the music business for about two decades, as a member of the Bis-quits, a backing musician and a solo artist. He's released a string of excellent solo CD's going back a decade now, which have garnered a lot of critical attention but little commercial success beyond a small group of devoted fans.
It's hard to understand why, because Womack has all the tools. He sings in a rough but expressive way, and plays a mean guitar. His greatest gift, though, is his inspired songwriting. He writes strong and distinctive melodies, and his lyrics reveal a rare intelligence and wit. It's strange that no other artists have covered Womack's material. But success as either a performer or writer has remained elusive, and apparently this has taken it's toll on Womack's personal life.
There I Said It is his best work yet, a joy from start to finish. Much of the material is autobiographical, reportedly drawn from his struggles to be a family man and a musican living in his fifth decade, with stardom no closer than it was at age 20. The listener soon gets the feeling, however, that the worst is over for Womack, and that he has acquired the wisdom and self-awareness to go on. His quirky and original sense of humor keeps even his darker songs from becoming too maudlin. The highlight is Alpha Male & the Canine Mystery Band, a funny and affecting rumination on being a musician, husband, father and hourly worker.
Fans of Todd Snider and John Prine, among others, will love this recording, but anyone who appreciates great songwriting in their rock & roll will enjoy this CD.
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