It’s been a number of years since I’d heard Eric McFadden. Most of his studio work I’d heard had a bluesy acoustic charm, though I’d seen the power of McFadden plugged during his performances with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. Joy of Suffering is of that “plugged” variety: it’s tough and ballsy, but laid back nonetheless.

McFadden’s chops on guitar and mandolin are evident on pretty much every tune, whether ZZ-top style blues or sweeping wisps of Americana. Talking Heads fans will take note of the band’s cover of “Memories can’t wait,” with its unforgettable line, “There’s a party in my mind…” The wailing leads, heavy rhythms and McFadden’s smoky vocals permeate the album from start to finish, proving in typical blues fashion, that there is indeed joy in suffering.

Favorite Track: Track 7, “Is the Morning Safe for Waking?”