In the immediate aftermath of 2007's Pride, I found myself worrying about Phosphorescent's Matt Houck. While the record was stunningly beautiful, he sounded inconsolably depressed, hopelessly love sick. And last year's Willie Nelson covers record, To Willie, didn't sound much more upbeat (except for his excellent cover of this gem). But Phosphorescent's lead single from his upcoming album, mercifully titled Here's to Taking It Easy, Houck sounds like he's got hot blood moving through his veins at something more than 15 bpm. The song explodes with a soulful horn section and a country-fried slide guitar. The song may be your standard issue tour complaint, but it's so bright and un-self-pitying that it's a joy to listen to over and over again. And Houck shows more attitude here than on anything he's released since Aw Come, Aw Wry: "I can't stand for none of this bullshit/I came here to play." I seriously doubt that we're looking at a Phosphorescent record full of country rave-ups, but it's nice to have one sitting around that doesn't sound like the most beautiful suicide note you're ever heard.Here's to Taking It Easy is out May 11th on Dead Oceans.
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