Hayden
Elk Lake Serenade
(Hardwood/Universal)
Elk Lake Serenade is a more difficult listen than Skyscraper National Park, but that doesn’t mean there’s fewer great moments. In fact, once the confusion from the constant mood changes passes, a handful of tracks stand out as surefire classics. “Home By Saturday” features fabulous guitar and vocal interplay. A straight drum beat and deceptively simple chord changes drive “My Wife.” Give it a couple of extra spins and Elk Lake Serenade will easily stand up to Hayden’s best work.
—Chuck Teed
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.