White Linen9 LB Records ***

From Canada, The John Henrys are a determinedly retro band who reference the 1970s to such an extent that they divide their fourth album into a side A and a side B. (In those heady days, the running order of an album was driven by the need to pace it for two sides.) The JHs get the first side bang on. Little Oneis the best early Tom Petty impression of the year, while Edge of December, Hit the Floor, Peace of Mindand Cold Chill,with hints of Neil Young and The Jayhawks, all hit the spot with varying degrees of success. Side B is more problematic. Both the stodgy title track, with nods to The Band, and the stuttering country of Stars Align drop the baton somewhat before a big country ballad ( Good Man) and the jangling rock'n'roll of Empty Pocketsget the album back on track. For lovers of the way it was.

See thejohnhenrys.com

Download tracks: Little One, Cold Chill, Good Man