Bow Thayer`s low-key, literate country-rock works against him if all the listener wants is atmosphere. The attentive listener will be rewarded with a very promising songwriter and musician. On Spend It All, Thayer uses wit and candor to tell tales of his life in Vermont. Musically, he draws on the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia`s bluegrass leanings. This is a gentle elegance to his music. Levon Helm gets "with" billing on this release. While Helm expertly handles the heart of the songs, his getting mention on the cover might overshadow Thayer who is worthy of solo billing on this excellent release. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Crooked Root)
