It’s been over a month since doing one of these. I’ve purchased Tedeschi Trucks Band’s new album, Toadies new one, “The Charmer,” and a couple of Toadies earlier albums, “Rubberneck” and “Hell Below / Stars Above.” Have listened to all of them once or twice, but the one I’ve had on repeat is, “The Charmer” (2026.) I’ve read a few reviews with tidbits about the songs, and watched the videos trickle in. I also had tickets to see them in GR recently but gutless wonder that I am did not make the show. “Ash’s Theme” opener is described by Vaden Todd Lewis, songwriter and vocalist for the band, as having been written as a theme song for Ash from The Evil Dead series. “Come to Life” is about Vaden losing his dad (iirc,) There is a lot to unpack in each one of the 13 songs on the album in the lyrics, covering aspects of human nature that are sometimes difficult to address head on. They’re combined with with often hard-edged vocals that scream and repeat themselves for emphasis. The concept for the album is how one deals with their mental health and finds a way to remain functional. Like a combustion engine needs oil to keep it from seizing up, so too does our mind/body/soul need nourishment and processing to keep chugging along. Vaden has been open about his struggles with mental illness and feeling like less of a person because of it. This album’s mission statement is to stop hiding it or feeling “less.” From other sources I’ve read that mental health professionals will be at the concerts during the album tour and available for those who need to talk with a friendly, caring person. In another interview, Daniel Johnston was mentioned as a kindred spirit.

The Charmer is about aspects of Vaden that he has a dialogue with. It’s a compelling tune!

I’ll be honest when I say it is difficult to choose favorite songs on The Charmer. They all speak to me. I think “I Walk a Line” could be in a Johnny Cash fashion, where he chooses to do it for the love of another (which, let’s face it, Johnny mostly did it in theory.) Here, I think it could apply to how each of us walk a line internally, keeping ourselves in check. Listen to this song and let me know what your impressions are. I love the timing in this song!!!

The closer, “In Bandages” reminds me of Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy. Such a beautiful, melancholy ballad.

For folks with Spotify: