Welding Burns

Even though i live in New Zealand, i really enjoy the americana,roots rock scene and have been following and buying music from the genre for many years.Most of the music is superb but every now and then i get an album that makes the base of you spine tingle,and this album is one of them.Every song is a great snippet of what its like to live in these times.This cd contains some of the best songwriting you will ever come across,and the vocals from Rod fit the mood perfectly.Buy this album,it will be a life long companion in your collection.

Heard this artist on Folk Alley and went and bought the album. If you love great lyrics that deal with today's issues and music that makes your foot tap and a voice that is rough and beautiful at the same time you will love this album. I just wish more folks could hear his music.

RodPicott's "Welding Burns" great addition to anyone who likes New Country/Outlaw Country music's collection!Great complement to Steve Earle's latest "Low Highway"! Continuing on the path set forth by Pete & Woody!

Raw and wonderful.

By Jim Clark, publisher Lee County Courier, Tupelo, MSI met Rod Picott (pronounced pie-caught) about 10 years ago when he'd released his sophomore album Stray Dogs.Rod has paid his dues more than most singer-songwriters. He grew up in Maine working construction, hanging sheetrock and the like by day, and playing the clubs at night. He studied songwriting in Colorado and ended up in the guitar slinging mecca -- Nashville.He had a song picked up by Fred Eaglesmith, opened for Alison Krauss and the Union Station, and more recently released his best CD to date, Welding Burns.The first three songs, "Rust Belt Fields," "Welding Burns,"'and "Black T-Shirt" were co-written with his friend and fellow gifted songwriter, Slaid Cleaves.Rod writes in tune like an east coast Springsteen, with a little southern flaire. The 48-year-old has chosen the life -- an independent troubadour who has good moments like getting one of his songs Broke Down used in the Michael Douglas movie Solitary Man but for the most part just working on his craft while touring around 120 shows a year.You can hear in his voice, in his sighs that he understands what the rest of us are going through. In fact, since Rod is independent he counted on what he calls "his fan funders" to help with the cost of producing this last CD."Heartfelt thanks to all the generous friends out there on the road and everyone who ever gave me work," Rod said.Frankie taught me how to sheetrock when I was just a kidHe said I'd go to heaven if I did like he saidI'm pretty sure about this when my work is throughIf I don't get wings I hear the devil runs a sheetrock hanging crew

This brings back good memories of growing up in South Berwick thanks rod was great going to school with you Timothy Keevan

About a year ago I'm sitting in Ashland Coffee & Tea waiting for Mary Gauthier to come on when I hear this song on the sound system. You how it is -- you're reading a book or something and all of a sudden this song you've never heard makes you jerk your head up and look around all herky-jerky like you've just emerged from a pitch-black room into the bright light. There's a guy singing about his 410 shotgun with the stock and barrel cut down and I'm rapt even though I don't own a gun. I find out that the album is called  Welding Burns  and it's by a songwriter named Rod Picott.So, I download the album and it has been at the top of my playlist for a year now (and I'm a guy who listens to a lot of music). Picott makes the political personal and the personal even more personal. When his laid-off auto worker sings that no one remembers your name just for workin' hard, you get why the guy might grab a 410. Then he slams on the brakes because he remembers that little scar she never wanted him to see or that lost kid in his in high school who a black t-shirt all the time. Picott keeps throwing strikes -- he's in one of those effortless grooves where every ball nicks a corner low and hard. Do yourself a favor and don't miss this one.

This CD is a standout....authentic, great backup artists, but most of all, this a great collection of songs inspired by and inspiring to the working man. When Rod sings about his Dad at the Portsmouth ShipYard, you know it's a lived experience. I've been a Slaid Cleaves fan for a long time and I knew that Rod Picott was a high school friend and musical collaborator, co-author of Slaid's most popular song, "Broke Down". Rod does a great version of Broke Down, but not on this record.Springsteen, Steve Earle, many other influences....but this voice is strong and true. Treat yourself.

A great selection of songs, well performed and with some great backing, notably from Will Kimboro.Only 34 minutes long, though - 1 or 2 extra good songs and this would get five stars from me.

Great album, get it

With a hint of the voice of The Boss, themes of Dylan, a bit of Tom Petty, songwriting skills not far off Steve Earle and a lot of himself, Rod Picott has released what is for me one of the best albums of 2011. The first two tracks are outstanding, although throughout whenever the amazing Amanda Shires adds fiddle and/or vocals you know it's going to be something worth listening to.I suppose it fits in the alternative country genre so if you are into that you'll definitely like this. If not, or if like me you hate putting music into categories, it's still well worth a listen.