Great Lakes: Ways of Escape

This long-lived project has become the sole vehicle for songwriter Ben Crum in the last few years. The country-infused songs feel very "natural" with a band-in-a-room sound, great pedal steel, strings and female harmony vocals. It was recorded and produced by Ben, with extra recording by Jason Nesmith, Joe McGinty (also on keys) and Jay Israelson. Long-time Tape Op contributor Steve Silverstein has done an amazing job of mixing Ways of Escape, keeping the natural vibe in place yet adding beautiful effects, panning tricks and depth where needed. It's a record that's really grown on me a lot lately, and I'd recommend it for fans of Giant Sand's straighter moments, Gene Clark, M. Ward or Jenny Lewis. Mastered by the lovely and talented Jen Munson.