Rhett Miller

The Dreamer (Maximum Sunshine)

The difference between Rhett Miller the solo artist and Rhett Miller the singer for the Old 97’s is subtle. A turn toward a more twang-infused sound on his sixth solo disc makes the distinction even more elusive. Readily apparent is that his work away from the band tends toward the delicate, a folk-pop blend with the occasional, undeniably ingenious couplet that’s become his trademark. This time it’s “She had a prominent nose, she took off all her clothes” from “Sleepwalkin’.” Jokes aside, Miller explores his sensitive side while also composing some of his warmest melodies. A duet with Rosanne Cash, “As Close As I Came to Being Right” finds them doing their best Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn. Toward The Dreamer‘s end, the Dallas maverick sums things up with near dirge “Complicated Man.” Singing “I’m a mystery to myself” over a lonely guitar explains a great deal, and for that we’re grateful, since complicated mysteries rarely sound so sweet.

***.5

This article appears in July 13 • 2012.

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