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Ricky Young, Learn to Steal, 2008 (Self-released, Indie)
Nashville-based Ricky Young's debut full-length Learn to Steal is alt-country in the same vein as Wilco and Ryan Adams. But Young has a subtly beautiful voice that is seldom heard in the muddy mixes of live performances. To his benefit, producers Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks ensured that Young's unique voice was the highlight of this record. Indeed, although Young's songs and the feel of Learn to Steal is alt-country, his voice is reminiscent of Echo and the Bunnymen singer Ian McCulloch and Paul Westerberg of The Replacements. That's good company, and Ryan Adams isn't far away from those singers either. Like Adams, Young is a fantastic songwriter who pulls from universal themes for his choruses, compelling all to buy into the emotional piece of each and every song. Producers Fitchuk and Loucks deserve high praise for their Harvest Moon-esque touches to Learn to Steal and Justin Loucks's drumming is downright amazing. Learn to Steal is a more-than-promising debut from Ricky Young. It's one of the best indie alt-country records of 2008, and anyone looking for the next Wilco should look no further than Nashville's Ricky Young. — Vincent Wynne, June 1, 2008
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