John Paul Keith grew up outside of Knoxville, the son of a truck driver. He learned to sing in church and he learned to play guitar when he was ten and his father gave him an acoustic and a copy of Chuck Berry’s Golden Hits and The Best of B.B. King. It was the fi rst music he ever heard that wasn’t country or spirituals—he didn’t hear the Beatles until he was nearly in high school. A blistering guitarist and singer, and the kind of songwriter who makes great melodies and incredible lyrics sound effortless, he certainly seems like a sure thing—the kind of artist you just need to hit play and record on and let rip.

The story continues in 2011 with The Man That Time Forgot, Keith’s sophomore album for Big Legal Mess Records. Part of the legendary Fat Possum family that championed and gave a home to such artists as R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, Big Legal Mess is proudly preparing The Man That Time Forgot for a June release. The album, which was produced by Fat Possum veteran Bruce Watson, captures the spirit and energy of the One Four Fives’ live shows, but explores a wider range of themes and influences – echoes of Tex-Mex, garage rock, countripolitan, mid-60’s soul/pop, blistering rockabilly, and even Mose Allison’s brand of jazz-blues. It’s around about the third listen the realization comes: These songs are incredible. From the Sir Douglaslike opener, “Never Could Say No”, to the wry, closing-time waltz, “The Last Last Call”, this is the work of an amazing songwriter, and a bold step forward with an even broader scope than before.

1. NEVER COULD SAY NO
2. YOU DEVIL YOU
3. ANYONE CAN DO IT
4. SONGS FOR SALE
5. AFRAID TO LOOK
6. THE MAN THAT TIME FORGOT
7. I THINK I FELL IN LOVE TODAY
8. DRY COUNTY
9. SOMEBODY OUGHT TO WRITE A SONG ABOUT YOU
10. BAD LUCK BABY
11. I WORK AT NIGHT
12. THE LAST LAST CALL

The Man That Time Forgot

John Paul Keith

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By John Paul Keith