Malcolm Holcombe's "Gamblin' House"

On first listen "Gamblin' House" instantly brings to mind several similarly talented yet more famous singer/singwriters. Malcolm writes and sings in a style that recalls Guy Clark, Ryan Bingham, Jon Dee Graham and Terry Allen at their best. Malcolm Holcombe's (insert favorite gravel swallowing/whiskey drenched/chain smokin'/Tom Waits cliche here) voice is probably a little too rough for the masses but fans of the previously mentioned artists should do themselves a favor and seek out this disc.Although it is only February, I'm pretty certain you'll see "Gamblin' House" on several best of lists for 2008.

Although not an overtly political disc, Holcombe lets you know where his heart is at with the included mini poster of a pig wearing a business suit standing in front of the White House (GAMBLIN' HOUSE is scrawled across the dome) and the following dedication:

"This album is dedicated to the victims of incompetent leadership"

Thanks Malcolm.