PICK OF THE WEEK: Joe Pug – Bluebird Theater – Friday, April 3rd
Joe Pug has collected plenty of the requisite Dylan comparisons over his young career but on his new record it’s easier to hear the sway of more contemporary influences like Josh Ritter, Ryan Adams and M.Ward. The Austin, TX singer songwriter has made a habit of defying expectations so the piano-driven “Bright Beginnings” and the atmospheric rumination of “Great Hosannas” are just further indication that he’s quite comfortable stepping outside of the guy-with-a-guitar trappings of the genre.