Mike Stinson is, as Chris Morris of Billboard Magazine puts it, "The uncrowned king of the L.A. neo-honky tonkers." His incomparable knack for writing classic songs fueled by heartbreak and booze is bested only by his believable delivery. The Virginian bred Stinson has a wavering, nasal twang that cries from a soul whose lot in life is the one outside the bar. Telling titles like "Tomorrow`s Gonna Hurt", "Six Pack Of Lonely", "Can`t Go Out Anymore" and the title track are moist with underlying humor and self-deprecating boozy reflection. Working again with local engineer/producer Charlie McGovern (Victoria Williams, Anny Celsi, The Creekdippers), Stinson has captured the brash twang and swagger `n` sway of his live set. Featuring long-time band members Tony Gilkyson (guitar) and Don Heffington (drums), Last Fool At The Bar includes bassist Jimmy Ashhurst (Black Crowes, Izzy Stradlin)- not featured on Stinson`s debut, Jack Of All Heartache - and guests Josh Grange (piano), Derek Ritchie (drums) and Chris Lawrence (pedal-steel). (Boronda)
