Lonely Parades

Album Review

Athens, GA-based folk-rocker Dodd Ferrelle makes music that is part of a long tradition dating back to the mid-'60s: guitar-driven melodic rock. Every song seems to have a catchy chorus that isn't long in coming, and every chorus seems to be followed by a guitar solo. Over these familiar arrangements, Ferrelle sings in one of those high, whiny tenors that also have been part of rock & roll since the '60s. Think Little Steven, Willie Nile, Sammy Llanas of the BoDeans, or any number of others. A major element that tends to distinguish such performers from each other is the lyrics. Ferrelle's are typically earnest, romantic, and lonely, but rarely specific. He frequently falls back on clichés, and, as titles such as "If You Could Live Another Life (Would You?)" and "What's Another Broken Heart" suggest, he is fond of asking questions. His lyrical weakness marks him as an artist who has mastered a particular style, but failed to infuse it with original substance that might set him apart from the many musicians who have played in that style over the years.