Daniel Martin Moore - Stray Age (2008)

Cold Spring, KY native Daniel Martin Moore gave hope to budding singer/songwriters everywhere when he was signed to Sub Pop just weeks after soliciting the legendary indie label with a disc full of demos, and that old-fashioned, handshake approach he brought to marketing shines through on his amiable debut, Stray Age. Co-produced by Joe Chiccarelli (White Stripes, U2, Shins), Moore's first foray into the mainstream is full of light, melodic gems that recall a combination of James Yorkston and a less overtly majestic version of lablemates Fleet Foxes. His smooth, even-handed vocals sit well amidst the warm, non-fussy arrangements, many of which rely only on voice and guitar. Standout cuts like "That'll Be the Plan," "Every Color and Kind," and "The Old Measure" show the promise of another M. Ward, or even a semi-content and happy Elliott Smith, but for now there's just Moore, a next generation "folkie" with a huge pop collection and plenty of time to take it all in.