Welcome to a mix of roots rock, with a singer-songwriter casual style. Nashville based, Keith Moody, brings classic rock influences of Tom Petty and blues guitar riffs to his second album, Dreaming Out Loud. Smooth enough to be compared to pop hit-sters, John Mayer or the Gin Blossoms, but lower in blues keys and soulful topics, Moody will not sell out the indie crowd. Rustic countrified on some tracks, he dusts everything he does with Southern charm. Dreaming Out Loud has rhythmic beats and great productions, which bring a fresh collection of ballads and catchy hooks to your door. Lyrics are hopeful, inspiring and grounded in real life. My favorite track is "Up". Fast paces and tight solos, wrap around the upbeat numbers, with nuggets that will take you for an open wide, window car ride, this summer.

Biography:

Moody's influences range from the straight-up soul of Ray Charles, to the bluesy grooves of John Mayer and the quirky, clever lyrics of southern treasure Tom Petty, it's all in there. Keith feels he not only creates the song's lyrics, but also arranges it completely in his head as well before he ever sets foot into a studio. "Like most people my age I listened to a variety of music and owned albums across all genres, such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Bruce Springsteen, which is why I have a hard time fitting music into a particular bin. If it is good, it's good so why does it matter?" -Keith Moody.

Track By Track Review:

Released: 2012 (KMMR productions)

Long Way Up

I love how clear as a bell the guitar comes into this album and Moody's voice has an equal impact. The song then drives into a full blown production and the classic rock influences come through to any listener. Multiple change ups keep the track moving and really bring the multi-talents of the band to light.

Lay It Down Easy

This song will be taking over radio spots very soon. Inspiring and supportive lyrics that could fit any situation, if you need to deal with a problem big or small, take a listen to Moody's wisdom here and just do that the man says.

Do It Over Again

Starting out with a 90's grunge guitar riff and folding into a soaring tune with a steady bass, this track takes off to the skies with a no regrets message about relationships. If you don't know how to forgive others, go ahead and forgive yourself, then.

New Distraction

This tune had a country vibe with some deep digs into the rhythm section. Even Moody's voice comes down an octave and he backs it up with twang glistened guitar licks and run on drum sequences. "I can fly where I want ..."

Up

If there was a favorite track to grab from this record, I get dibs on this one. It's like nothing I've ever heard. Punk meets rock, and shakes hands with roots. The Cure dances to Rusted Root, if Robert Smith ever went out in the sun. The Ramones grow up. Keith Moody is speaking from his own planet. I live most of my world with The Replacements view from Mars, so this was a great surprise to hear come out of Dreaming Out Loud. It's great punk and in your face, without the snark. Bring it ! (Then a "Can I Get A Witness" reference? Marvin Gaye ... Can we get a whoo hoo ...!)

One Big Ending (Single)

Featured on television spots while heading out to SXSW, this single is becoming well known among the indie clans. I spent some time in Dylan spheres this winter. We caught The Wallflowers with Jakob Dylan and then Bob Dylan and his band earlier this month. Last year at Folk Fest, spectators coined a term, "Dylanesque" referring to any new young artist who had storytelling qualities, original lyrics and genuine presence. Listening to "One Big Ending," I'd say Keith Moody's effort on this track tells stories that are certainly in this vein.

Next In Line

Big time classic rock here. Lots of rough and tumble bass lines with soaring guitar highlights. Truck riding messages of bold, don't hold back anything.

Red Line

Here's a slower ballad that Keith takes on in a blues setting. It rolls out smooth and strong, with some cool percussion work. I love how some of the songs on this record can stop on a dime for effect. This was the only song that I thought Keith could have brought more to the vocals. I'd like to hear him belt this out with the soul that I suspect he's got in him. I think to see this live would be a very different experience. Guitar solo and improvs at the end were very creative, finishing with a muttering Van Morrison mumble. What could be better than that?

Already Home

Lessons learned. Life speaks to us in mysterious ways. We just have to listen to what it says, even if it's in rewind. 

This road will lead me to a place where I can rest a soul, then I guess that's what you call home.

All these sleepless nights I lie awake. Grasping something I can't hold. In my heart, I've wrestled in vain, maybe I'm already home.

Don't take for granted those that who try to hurt you. They are the ones who push you on, and set you apart. -Keith Moody.

I Don't Know (Who The Bad Guys Are Anymore)

Moody's central focus is to create a world of movable music with honest lyrics that reflect self-exploration. Communicating a realism to the listener that is accessible in his varied styles. It is so easy to fall into this record and find that it comfortably fits in your collection right away. The ending of this song had a soaring, country blues, Eric Clapton/Layla type of feel to it. Great track.

Plastic Hearts

Keith Moody closes the album with another ballad that continues to push us all forward. He confronts the mainstream culture and offers some sage advice for dealing with any of life's blues.

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Keith Moody Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Brian Jackson Composer
Keith Moody Composer
Shawn Miller Composer
Steve "Manny" Satre Composer

Read our Interview with Keith Moody here.

For more information on Keith Moody,

Visit his website.

To purchase on iTunes,

Dreaming Out Loud.