Paul James – Wilf and the Slaughtermen (Album Review)

Today’s review features Paul James new album “Wilf and the Slaughtermen,” which is his seventh album since May 2023.

Paul believes that the way to a listener’s heart is “feeling and lyrical expression.” Paul records by laying down live tracks in the studio, and spurning the use of plug-ins. While at times not polished, his songs are always “honest.” Paul is known for his lyrics and clever songwriting.

Paul has played live on the radio and at venues ranging from small and cozy to large theatres and festivals.

So let’s have a listen …

Sense of Belonging starts with a wonderful arpeggiated finger-picking acoustic guitar riff. Paul’s voice has a very traditional folk feel, with the lyrics being the star of each song. I also like the backing vocals.

You Second Best Me kicks off with a harmonica and a strummed acoustic guitar. The harmonica is the standout in this song. I appreciate Paul’s songwriting. Interesting guitar chord changes throughout the song.

Chamomile Smile kicks off in the same way as the last song, but with more of a minor blues type feel. Rocking back and forth between two chords – Am and E. The song has a very lonely, haunting feel. Nice vocals here.

When You’re Wanted starts off with an electric-acoustic guitar lead riff over a strummed acoustic, with harmonica in the background. The song has a very laid-back song with a message – “when you’re wanted with a price on your head.”

Wilf and the Slaughtermen again features a strummed acoustic guitar and harmonica. However, in addition to Paul’s vocals, this song features a strange growling which sounds like a dog growling and barking, like a human replicating those sound textures through a didgeridoo. A very haunting minor feel to this song. The lyrics/story are key to this song. This is the longest song on the album, coming in at 9 minutes. I like the female backing vocals on this song.

Boogie Down starts with a strummed acoustic guitar and harmonica. Very traditional folk-style song structure here. I was expecting more of a boogie. This is a simple song naming all the places you can boogie down.

Cisco Crow uses a finger-picked banjo to set the mood of the song. I’m loving the female backing vocals on this song, very nice! The song has a traditional folk structure. I really like the lyrics on this song; they are well-written. This song is maybe my favorite on the album so far.

Silent Star kicks off with a gently finger-picked acoustic guitar. Paul’s vocals kick in. The song is very somber. It has a very minor chord feel in the chorus. I love the line “she used to be the silent star of the show.”

The Voodoo Chile is not the famous Jimi Hendrix song. It starts off with a guitar trill and then falls back into a finger-picked acoustic guitar riff. Paul’s voice is lower in range in this song. “You were the voodoo chile.” I really like when Paul veers off into minor chord territory. Lovely song structure. Although there is a reference to “purple haze” and “a stage in Monterey” and “the wind is crying Mary,” the rest of the lyrics are more of a story about a girl. I like the inclusion of Hendrix references in this folk song.

‘Cos You Care begins with two acoustic guitars finger-picking. This is a storyteller song. Most of this song is structured as “I don’t care about …”, but eventually resolves to “but you care.”

Overall, very solid traditional folk songwriting. Nice performances on acoustic guitar, banjo, and particularly the backing vocals. The question is whether I would listen to this record again? The answer is yes. Although I’m not particularly a big fan of Paul’s voice, it does remind me of more famous traditional folk artists.

SCORE/Good-Excellent: Paul James drops a lovely traditional folk album with his latest release, “Wilf and the Slaughermen.” If you’re a radio station that plays traditional folk, you may appreciate this album. Definitely worth a second listen. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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