Owen Temple

In league with the members of the Band of Heathens and Adam Carroll, Owen Temple takes on the job of Texas troubadour with grave intent. Where his previous disc explored the darker side of the American dream, Mountain Home focuses on small Texas towns and the eccentrics inhabiting them. Some are historical, like crazed conquistador Cabeza de Vaca in "Medicine Man" and of course "Old Sam" Houston, wherein Temple embellishes fact with fiction. The laconic "Fall in Love Every Night" traces the life of a touring musician with just enough detail to keep the listener guessing. As in the past, some of Temple's intentions are undermined by vocal limitations, but at least this time the Trishas' Jamie Wilson adds some pretty to the rougher edges. Nonetheless, one has to admire Temple's focus on his craft, which he continues to burnish in smart and tuneful ways.