Album Notes

"Oil Town is a record of our times, filled with people you know, folks you pass on the street and stories you see in the daily news. Paul takes the one dimensional image on the screen and breathes the reality of life into its lungs. coloring and defining the stories so that you can not only see but feel...The power of Paul Sachs vocals delivers a message on a mission supported by all the musical paths open to contemporary folk musicians. The overall feel on ‘Oil Town’ is acoustic but don’t assume that translates to gentle sways and peaceful reverie. There is a gale force that clears the air. It challenges the guilty and gives the innocent an appreciation for what they have on the plus side as Paul holds up a vision of ourselves and those we know."
-Alternate Root Magazine.

"Song after song he creates some lovely melodies. The cuts on "Oil Town" involve those challenged by love, by work, and the struggles created by economic imbalance...This is a keeper, and its excellence grows on you."
-Angela Page, Sing Out Magazine

"Since I got a copy of Paul Sachs' latest album "Oil Town", his songs have been swirling in my head. Sachs is gifted with one of those strong voices that get your attention, a bag of memorable melodies and lyrics to grab your soul, and a powerful message that makes him a troubadour of our troubled times. Oil Town has already made my top ten list for 2011."
- Butch Kara-Host of Kaleidoscope - KZGM-FM/WAZU-FM (Pacifica)

Paul Sachs' new CD, "Oil Town," is an impressive collection of from-the-heart songs, sung with grit and passion--and the right amount of grace. He writes insightful songs and sings them the way he envisioned them to be sung. This CD is well-produced, with just enough accompaniment to accentuate Paul's music, bringing his strong, clear vocals to the forefront. Paul makes his mentor, the late Jack Hardy, proud of him with this one.
--Wanda Fischer, Producer/Host, "The Hudson River Sampler," WAMC-FM/Northeast Public Radio

"With a country crooner's voice and a folk songwriter's soul, Paul Sachs is in tune with our uncertain times in the 21st century. On 'Oil Town,' he sets an unflinching eye on rusted dreams, frayed lives, corporate evil-doers, and the smaller tragedies between average men and women everywhere."
- Chris Kocher, writer for the (Binghamton, N.Y.) Press & Sun-Bulletin and Sing Out

Oil Town, Sachs' forth CD, is filled with characters facing poverty, alcoholism, the economy, war, Oil spills and Fracking. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of modern America.

In the cinematic story song, “Dirty Trucks” Mexico’s drug trade is seen through the eyes of a trucker who, despite trying to live life by the rules is forced into something he can’t get out of. “High and Low” is about war and the after effects it has on three generations of one family. “When the River Didn't Flow” tells the tale of a town after Fracking or after another man made disaster has happened.

Oil Town’s song cycle opens with “Poor Man’s Out” and ends with “Great Gatsby Days” the CD’s bookend that that looks at America’s aftermath to the housing crisis and spending spree.

Richard Cuccaro of Acoustic Live states:
"Paul Sachs' big voice frames the eloquently told tales of working class desperation in these times of corporate takeover. This album could be called "Oil World," but "Oil Town" will do. This new effort marks the emergence of an important voice in the genre of social commentary folk music".

"Paul Sachs' Oil Town is on my "Folk Festival Faves" list of 2011. It is an excellent set of well-crafted songs, with fine musicianship, and songs that go beyond mere entertainment, but with meaning, insights, and social commentary.
It has been a pleasure including on the show!"
--Lilli Kuzma, "Folk Festival" on WDCB Public Radio (Glen Ellyn/ Chicago)