You want straight ahead, no-frills heartland rock that bristles with a blue collar flair that says "Springsteen" and offers gritty, rockin` Americana recalling Steve Earle`s early work with the Dukes? Then go with Scott McClatchy. Spinning tales of spurned love and longing, alongside tales of functional love, the relationship themes are prominent on Burn This. In this day and age, the title may seem to be suggestion to make copies of the record, and while it`s definitely worth gettin` it `round, its meaning may be seen more as a statement of defiance. There is definitely a defiant tone in McClatchy`s coarse delivery - defiance as fodder for the fire which generates the urgency in his performance. And while tracks like "Hold You", "Someday", "Soft Hours", "Tremble & Shake" and "Unspoken Love" take on the many reflective, inward angles of love, it`s "Don`t Be Mad" which offers an outward glance in finding compassion for those down on their luck. An all round solid effort that concludes with a vibrant rendition of Springsteen`s "No Surrender". -- Robinson, Miles Of Music (LIB Records)
