Customer Reviews

Ghost of Things to Come

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Pat Haney's "Ghost of Things to Come" is reminiscent of similar albums by Chris Knight and Stacey Dean Campbell. They all feature weathered vocals, often bleak story songs and a sound that combines elements of rock, country and folk music. Haney leans a tad more in the country direction than Campbell and Knight, and his songwriting is not quite as moving as either of those two at their best. But there are still some good songs here, including particularly the title track, the lost love lament "Out Last Night," "Hey There Mister," and the remorseful "Like My Daddy Did," about irresponsible father lamenting that his children are receiving the same poor upbringing he did.

Overall, "Ghost of Things to Come" is a solid album from a gifted singer songwriter who just a notch below the best.

Pat Haney's new CD Ghost Of Things To Come, is a treasure chest of songs from the America's heartland. The title track, Like My Daddy Did, 'Licts, Fifteen Years and especially Nursing Home are all deeply personal and heartfelt offerings. Pat's down home, earthy, gravelly voice is as powerful and emotional as anything by Springsteen or Mellencamp with a little bit of John Hiatt thrown in. Try this one. You won't be disappointed. One of my favorite albums of this year.

Hard to believe Pat Haney was working in a gas station when he got the chance to record his first CD. His music reflects the heart of Kentucky, its grit and charm on this second CD. The title track opens with Tim Krekel's churning great electric lead guitar on a song of abandonment, "He left me with no money; and he left me with a son." Haney's voice sounds a lot like John Prine on the midtempo ballad "'Licts," "She ain't been able to eat a thing since Daddy ate his gun." The churning electric guitar and the sad farewell make "Nursing Home" memorable, "If I could move, I'd be gone just like the wind." "Out Last Night" features acoustic guitar on the folk style break-up song. Dense guitars rumble on "Hey There Mister," "I carry me a pistol loaded with a good woman's tears." "15 Years" rocks; and "Like My Daddy Did" is a rough guy ballad. Soft acoustic guitar back "Bathtub Song," "If I was Ahab & when I set sail, I'd find someone to hold me instead of some whale." My favorite track is Tim Krekel's "Here Without You" with great electric guitars, "Did you think I'd sit & cry when you broke my heart & said goodbye?" Pat gets in his best Delbert McClinton licks on the rocker "Nothin' But You," "They can tie me up & take my money, leave me black & blue..." He sings of his native city on the down home rocker "Come On Back to Bowling Green," "Won't you come back to Bowling Green & marry me? My mother's on drugs & I need someone to take care of me." The CD concludes with the haunting acoustic folk tune "Southern Witch." Haney's music offers great working man themes. While the story telling is more original than the melodic content, "Ghosts of Things to Come" is a pleasing set from a promising talent. Enjoy!