The title Road Show implies that this is a live album. But in fact, this folk-rock CD is a studio effort that the Peter Spink Band recorded in early 2000, and the title Road Show was inspired by the fact that vocalist Spink and his band did so much touring in the 1990s. This is a CD that never sounds overproduced or excessively slick; Road Show favors a very rootsy and down-to-earth approach, and that lack of slickness serves Spink well on everything from the sunny “Sweet Mexico” to moody, bluesy offerings like “Good Together,” “Wonderland,” and “Nora Softly.” None of the material is experimental or groundbreaking — Spink can hardly be called an innovator. But while he isn’t the most adventurous or daring artist in the world, Spink ultimately wins you over with his honesty, warmth, and solid songwriting skills. The expressive singer/songwriter sounds like he genuinely believes in the songs that he provides on this decent, if imperfect album, which is worth hearing if you like your folk-rock earthy and unpretentious. – Alex Henderson
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