Cory Branan
The No-Hit Wonder
Bloodshot
Street: 08.19
Cory Branan = Justin Townes Earle + Lucero + Todd Snider

It takes a unique blend of talent and experience to write the high-quality country-folk songs that seem to float and flow out of Cory Branan and his guitar. He’s been mostly known for his songwriting, but with this release, Branan is marrying his writing proficiency to the most accomplished record production of any of his releases. While there’s not a big difference content-wise here, everything seems brighter and more textured. Branan gracefully glides from folk to country—I do wish that he would lean a little harder toward country, especially if songs like the honky tonk “All the Rivers in Colorado” are the result, but even the folkier tunes are captivating. Until now, Branan has been a sort of kept secret in the alternative country scene, but records like this will ensure that that will no longer be the case. –James Orme