Shoeshine Blue will perform on Drinking From Puddles on 08/12/09 !!
"Shoeshine Blue has really found his voice musically and lyrically as well. That strolling 6/4 time with those scruffy, blues lick vocal melodies. I think more than any other songwriter I’ve seen and met here in this city, (Michael) Apinyakul seems to have the most distinct and attractive style to call his own. These songs aren’t just good, they are completely approachable to anyone and everyone. It peaks at his holy trinity of songs with “All The Pretty Women”, “Dancin Shoes” and “Famous”. The latter of those a pleasant surprise and a true gem lyrically [Remember your mama's kitchen, to keep it holy/remember your addiction to your Daddy in the yard]. Keep in mind we are only half way through the album at this point. Where many albums falter due to “Too Much Music”, Howl At The Wooden Moon is the concise and meticulous mix of one great song after another. The moods do not change that much, but Shoeshine Blue has a knack at keeping the listener hanging with just the right melodies, just the right length for the song and just enough intimacy and literary prose. He also has a knack for knowing how to move a group of songs to keep the listener there. By the time the last third of the album comes up we see a shift musically to a more violen, banjo and waltz arrangement. “Wooden Room” takes cues from great bluegrass banjo playing and the surprising “The Oldest Dance” is a Russian waltz masterpiece. Hoyt Emerson - This Heart Will Burn Right Out (May 10, 2009)