Play 90 second soundbite of 'There's Nothin Wrong' @ 'CD quality'
Described, on his website, as 'Alternative Country Music From The Corn Fields of Iowa', Coates has a friendly, non-confrontational way of delivering his heartfelt songs - somewhat reminiscent of early Byrds insofar as Coates' vocals are similarly charmingly 'shaky' (and I don't mean that discourteously!) but wholesome and kinda guy-next-doorish.
Coates' country music is mature, un-fussy and really kinda warm and cosseting; Coates makes country music sound ezy, cool, sorta one-size-fits-all - music for anyone, anywhere, anytime - and I like that!!! And, the more I hear the more I, not only like but, appreciate; Robert Coates has used his vast musical experience and natural creative abilities to birth a beautifully poignant, readily accessible album of great songs.
Coates lays down all the vocals here and most of the guitar oriented instrumentation; he cleverly keeps 'Down On The Ground' very uncluttered preferring to let a bit of space here and there punctuate the vibe and accentuate the emotion. At a time when many utilise just about every studio gizmo available to enhance their music, Coates takes things the other way entirely and keeps it all genuine and minimal and, I have to say, it's all the better for its simplicity and stripped-back honesty.
'Down On The Ground' by Robert Coates is a gently persuasive album that slowly but surely creeps up on you. Listen once and it's quite beautiful. Listen again and you start to find more of the subtleties and nuances locked away inside. Listen again and I pretty much guarantee you'll be hooked by Robert Coates' sensitive and considered approach. This isn't hard-nosed country music, this is country music for all-comers, beautifully crafted songs with not much more than a mild country lilt yet clearly of that genre. 'Down On The Ground' by Robert Coates is deceptively captivating - it comes home slowly, it builds inside of you, it doesn't drag you in kicking and screaming, it just encourages you in, entices you, it gives you time and space to make up your mind but, make no mistake about it, it'll get to you and you'll feel all the better for becoming part of Coates' alternative country world - 'Down On The Ground' by Robert Coates is a pretty sensational album of exquisitely crafted country songs for the modern era.
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