Bill Noonan - 'The Man That I Can't Be'

In the crowded field of Americana and alt-country, the second solo release  (Catawba City Records) from North Carolina-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Bill Noonan stands out. He impresses with a distinct lived-in tenor voice and a passel of solid, melodic songs that touch on nascent rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, honky-tonk and country.

He’s no rookie, either. Throughout the ’90s he led the Rank Outsiders, a regionally esteemed Charlotte roots-rock band, and on this latest he brings that decade-long experience to the table.  The CD’s back cover art reveals song titles scribbled on a used cocktail napkin – very telling indeed. With a bleary, weary and teary voice, Noonan seems to deliver tuneful ruminations from the corner of a dimly lit gin mill.

In simple, yet effective arrangements, Noonan recalls such artists as Carl Perkins, Arthur Alexander, Nick Lowe, Rodney Crowell and Johnny Cash. The songs, perfect for juke-jointin’, sport Bakersfield twangin’, Brit invasion riffs, acoustic guitars, slapped bass and cheesy organ fills.

In presenting a session of first-class Americana crooning, Noonan proves he’s the man alt-country fans want and need.

– Eric Feber, The Pilot

Tracks to download “Road 99,” “Tried So Hard,” “Money Girl”

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