“This Time” by Richard Keith is a fairly simple and straight forward tune. The rhyme scheme, the words, it isn’t frivolous or showy and I dig that about it. It is straight forward and down-to-earth.

The track starts out with some guitar and mandolin and Richard Keith’s voice, and slowly builds. With a steady drum way back in the mix, it flows well and feels great. It sits in the space between a happy summer tune and a leading into fall where the dusk comes quicker. The words are playful and have a dry wit. I like his style of writing.

You’re a rabbit on the run and I’m a man without a gun

Still you best keep running, watch out baby here it comes

Keith has hints of John Hartford in his voice, which to me is a welcome surprise. There is something comforting and friendly about it. With bits of folk and country, it has its place and where it sits is warm and inviting. I have no idea how old the songwriter is, but for some reason I get this “older guy who has seen a lot and traveled the way”. Not like 80 years old, older, but someone who has been down the road and has the wrinkles in their brow that tell their story for them. I could be totally wrong, but that’s the story I get from listening to this tune.

Bottom line: I really like Richard Keith’s tunes and his voice. I am invited into his world when I listen in to this song. Its just plain old good music.

http://www.richardkeith.net/