Adventurer and filmmaker Frank Wolf told us that the Midwest is “…like the center of a bowl, where the ideas from all corners and coasts of the continent collect and meld together.” In the case of Ben Stalets, that bowl of soup combines equal parts John Prine and Bob Dylan with a dash of Jeff Tweedy and splash of The Jayhawks. The Toledo, OH native’s latest release “Country Midwestern” blends 90’s alt-country seeped in traditional rhythm and melodies.

The opening track of the album, “Marie,” rides you in with the whine of the pedal steel guitar to kick of an album that would keep any traditionalist impressed but holds a sound all its own. It’s a great introduction to the album, a melodic story of lost love that is carried subtly by the pedal steel and mandolin. While mellow to begin, the album picks up quickly with the track “It Ain’t Easy,” reminiscent of late 90’s Wilco (think “ELT”) but still has something that keeps it unique and holding its own.

For those with a more mid 70’s Nashville palate, “Our Own Sweet Time” will quench your thirst with a thumping bass line and hints of “outlaw” dis-illusions with status quo. “There oughta be more to this than worrying about who comes next, there oughta be more to a song than chasin’ whose writin’ checks.” This may be our favorite track in the 30 minute session. Which, the only thing you are left wondering after those 30 minutes is why we couldn’t have been graced with 30 more.

It’s artist like Ben Stalets that Midwesterners get spoiled with. There is a plethra of talent that spend years on local stages for no more than a few PBRs and a tip jar, often allowing their own modesty to interfere with self promotion and marketing. “Country Midwestern” is such a proper title for not only the music but Ben himself. The simplicity and honesty of each track casts an umbrella over the whole album.

Tracks like “Off Course” and “Lady Divine” are well placed on the album, allowing the listener to slow down bit. It almost plays out like a night on a bar stool, it rides you in with smooth melodies, peaks with foot stomping country rhythm, throws you a few introspective curve balls and finally sends you home softly, “Lost” – the title of the final track.

“Midwestern winds always caused us to drift…” Ben opens the final track with, the beginning of a familiar tale. The country is filled with Midwetern transplants, who often have to do some drfiting of their own to realise how good things can be. Many find themselves coming “back home again” to a familar place where modesty, moderation and a hard days work can be rewarding. A place where the dollar is honest, the beer is cold and life moves a little slower.

Be sure to support Ben by purchasing his latest release “Country Midwestern” and we highly reccomend a gander at his past work as well. He is also on tour so ensure you get your tickets for a ride on the Ben Stalets train because it ain’t slowing down anytime soon.

Cheers..