With the song "Old Friend" (track 3) can performer singer/songrwiter Anthony Neff be called most welcome. Because it had been 2002 when we heard our friend for the first time on the album "Generation X-istential Blues". Like its predecessor, roots/blues, country rock and folk are the basic elements which Anthony Neff uses on his new album "Chase Your Burden". These styles were incorporated very simply in the living room of producer Rob Farris. It's true that this presented technical issues, but the creaking of the floor boards and sound of sleet hitting the window only adds to the recording. Without frills, just like the songs of Anthony Neff, which succeed in splendid tales- superb melodies in an Americana/roots sauce. Twelve original compositions, with Anthony on acoustic guitars and harmonica and willing, expert aid of Scotty Miller (banjo, 12 string electric guitar), Rob Farris (who we still know of the Backsliders) on the keyboards, and the beautiful backing vocals of Kristine Drugan. Originally from West Virginia (born in the city where Hank Williams was discovered dead), Anthony moves himself with this small masterpiece in the slipstream of presents such as Townes Van Zandt, John Prine. The most beautiful compliment of this album I found from Mike Plumbley (Ragamuffin radio), that very strikingly can formulate what this album also meant for me: "Begins with lots of promise and never lets up... Gritty, gutsy rocking with smooth vocal and infectious backbeats... I love the twists and turns of tempo and style on this album... oughtta be a classic." Pearls such as "Only a Dream", "Sweet Revolution", the title number "Chase Your Burden", ("you can't run from your sorrow, there's a darkness before the sun can rise"..splendid!), the blues intro on "Old Friend" (makes me think of Brian Ferry), the guitar picking on "Say Hello To Goodbye", the Little Feat/Doobie Brothers/Sweet Alabama guitar lick of "Fire and the Flame", "Tremble When your Shake" (ode to J.Cash...."statues fall but memories stand"!!!), show you to enjoy really how simple music can and must be. Does "You Should See My Girl", the only up tempo number dissipate the feeling that "Downside" conveys (superb 12 string guitar)? Yes...as "even angels lose their way", how must it then further be with us? The answer of Anthony is significant: "If I give up my memory, can I still keep my dreams?". Superb album, class artist!! * * * *
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Folk and Roots Country sounds that will delight any acoustic music fan. Anthony Neff knows how to write a song that has substance and meaning to each line. There is something special about an artist that chooses to perform his music naturally without all the electronics available to artist today that help mask their true talents and sounds.  Chase Your Burden is honest and has a very unique sound that is skillfully presented.
4 Stars
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If you’ve been paying any sort of attention, you’ll remember our previous discussion of Mr. Neff via his “Generational X-istential Blues” album just a short couple of years ago. I know I remember Anthony Neff’s sincere voice and knack for marrying the sounds of country, Americana, and folk for his own unique tone that he sets with gusto. This album is even better than the last, picking up from everything he did right there, and peppering it with a new fondness that will have the young and old alike yearning for more. Producer Rob Farris’s wanton use of ½” tape makes this album even more memorable with its rustic, folk appeal that gives it hometown quality with big-budget sound. This is one singer/songwriter that everyone should be following like some fanatical rabid fan.

- J-Sin
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