293. SINGIN' TO AN EMPTY CHAIR by Ratboys

Before I begin I want to give a shout out to my music industry friend, Keith Jopling, who just released a book (which I took delivery of as I'm writing this) all about how the record album has endured over the years and seems to be making a comeback. Check the book (aptly titled Body of Work) out here. I also want to voice my appreciation to Keith for giving me a shout out in said book - he had told me maybe 5 months ago that he was going to do this as he wanted to bring some little bit of cheer to my life. Thank you Keith ❤️

Ok, now on to this 2026 record by Ratboys, who I previously covered here. The Chicago-based band is out with another great album, this time dealing with themes surrounding therapy (hence the empty chair in the title). Although lead singer and songwriter Julia Steiner had been going through therapy for a different reason than me, the pre-released tracks, and now the full album, really struck a chord. And, it doesn't hurt that the songs are great as is the playing. Some songs are straight up indie rock whereas others have a bit of that twang to give them that alt country feel.

Start out with 'Penny in the Lake' and then continue with the following: 'Light Night Mountains All That,' 'Open Up,' 'At Peace in the Hundred Acre Wood' and, if you're up to it, close out your session with the eight and a half minute 'Just Want You to Know the Truth' which has parts that remind me of the Head and the Heart's 'Let's Be Still.'