Bad News First
Originally conceived of as the first disc of a double album called “Bad News First / Good News Last,” the songs in this collection find Joe Con in familiar territory: in between things, en route, on his way somewhere all big & new, and in quite a hurry to get there it would seem. Tracks like “Brick by Brick,” “Can’t Stop Now,” & “Saving Grace” all convey thoughts & images of motion & transition, full of characters who somehow manage to be properly aligned within their own little worlds, though still caught in a state of chaotic flux. Con’s writing & rhyming chops are obvious throughout. His cadence is evolved compared to previous work, his timing & timbre are tighter & stronger, and his delivery is the right combination of passionate heat & smooth style. You take the “Bad News First” every time, right?