Review- Dalton Mills: Good Place to Hide
March 1st was a busy release day in the independent Americana and Country music genres. So, it’s reasonable that one may not have had the opportunity to listen to the new album by Dalton Mills, Good Place to Hide. I’m going to share with you many reasons why you need to have Dalton on your radar and this album in your rotation.
Photo by Emily Wakin
Throughout music history, Kentucky has been known to produce extraordinary songwriters and the Middlesboro native is no exception. At The Amp, we’ve been fans of Mills’ work for a while now; as evidenced by the review of his self-titled debut album in the summer of 2020. His sophomore release, Good Place to Hide unveils growth and wisdom only obtained through life experiences and the conscious effort of surrounding yourself with like-minded and objective musicians and songwriters.
Dalton has often referred to himself as a writer of sad songs. In many cases of his compositions, he is not wrong. However, with this album, it feels more comforting rather than melancholy (despite the murder ballad “Margaret Allen”). He sings of home, family, dreams and even a tribute to Texas songwriting legend, Guy Clark.
The build-up to the album release began in June of last year as Mills released the first single “Outsider.” The song was written shortly after his first album was released. Being on the road made him long for home: Dalton couldn’t wait to get back to the country and back to his garden.
“All these lights burn way too bright / All these folks are just too damn proud / Going back to my barefoot ways / Yeah, I’m an outsider from outside of town”
Dalton followed up with the single releases of “One Go Around” and “Redbirds” which has been getting the most traction on streaming services. Mills explained in a social media post for the release of “One Go Around” that the irony of the song is that it took many go-arounds with the lyrics to get it to the point that he was truly satisfied with the final outcome. The song is a reminder that we only have one chance at this life, so make the most out of your dreams and your relationships. Life is fragile and needs to be treated with good intention.
“You get one go around / Some are lost / Some are found / Keep your feet right on the ground and your dreams in the sky / Don’t cut down another man for the cards in his hand / For his place could easily be yours”
The Guy Clark tribute song is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Clark is a highly revered songwriter and was also a skilled luthier. Mills got the idea for the song while he was daydreaming about Guy Clark’s basement workshop where he penned many of his hits and also built and repaired stringed instruments. “Shakespeare in Boots” is a great description for Clark. He is most remembered and recognized by wearing nearly all denim and worn-in cowboy boots. Given his discography and way of life, it’s easy to understand how Guy Clark made such an impression on Dalton Mills. The folk and country singer-songwriter has released more than 20 albums and has written numerous songs recorded by a variety of artists like Ricky Skaggs, Willie Nelson, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Even the melody of “Shakespeare in Boots” is reminiscent of Jerry Jeff Walker’s famed “Mr. Bojangles.” There is also a mention of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. All are nods to some of the finest men to put poetry to song.
I wanted to mention “Getting By” because I think it’s an especially relevant song these days. There has been so much change in the last half dozen years or so. With plenty of ups and downs during that time, it makes life feel a bit hard to navigate some days.
“I can’t remember my name / A victim of too much change / These days I can hardly catch my breath / Empty, I’m feeling empty / Hollow as a dead man’s eyes / Helpless, I’m feeling helpless / Some days it’s a gamble just gettin’ by”
When I first listened to the title track, “Good Place to Hide,” it felt like a song that I had already heard many times before. The rhythm felt familiar. I studied the lyrics to try to pinpoint what exactly it was that made the song feel so recognizable. Although it was lyrically very descriptive like Dalton’s songs typically are, it was the meter that I kept going back to and then it hit me – it sounded like a James Steinle song. Lo and behold, I checked the album credits and there was my answer: James Steinle was a co-writer. He actually was the only co-writer on the album. The rest of the tracks were all solely written by Dalton. James is a Texas folk songwriting peer of Dalton’s and I encourage you to also check out his work - even if it’s just to see what I mean. Another reason I felt particularly interested in the song was the theme. Home, whether it’s a geographical place or an actual house, is the place you feel most comforted and protected. Even if it’s not much to speak of, it’s your own sanctuary; it’s a good place to hide.
Good Place to Hide Powell River Sessions video
For Good Place to Hide, Dalton brought on a stellar group of musicians to help bring his stories to life. On fiddle and background vocals is Chloe Edmonstone. John Clay played drums, percussion, banjo, upright bass, piano, mandolin and can be heard on background vocals. J. Tom Hnatow is a master of all things musical. Not only did he play 11 different instruments to include electric guitars, acoustic guitars, dobro, pedal steel, upright bass, bass guitar, organ, mellotron, harmonium, piano, and even the glockenspiel, but he also produced and engineered the album at Small Blue in Lexington, KY. The album was mixed by Duane Lundy at The Lexington Recording Company and mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering.
The more time you spend with Dalton Mills’ songs, the more details and nuances you discover. Much like his songwriting heroes, Mills’ songs are raw and relatable. His prose conjures up the tone and intent of Townes Van Zandt and Blaze Foley. There is a balance that many songwriters strive for between heartache and hope. Dalton Mills finds that balance with a Good Place to Hide.
Find out more about Dalton Mills at the links below:
