Side One Dummy

Certainly, no one will accuse Xavier Rudd of being uncomfortable in his own skin. The Australian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has incorporated the sounds and tones of native Aborigines into his folk rock throughout his career, becoming one of his homeland’s most iconic musical voices. Spirit Bird opener “Lioness Eyes” begins with the sound of cackling apes and bellowing didgeridoo, and then moves through hypnotic, ceremonial incantations. Organically, he fuses elements of nature and earth with heartfelt, emotional songwriting, such as on the beautiful title track and the lovely “Creating A Dream.” Yet, Rudd hasn’t caught on, at least not in radio or charts in America. “Comfortable in My Skin” could play next to any Dylan ballad, and “Bow Down” is a blues scorcher that reflects on loss after an oil spill. Spirit Bird soars and should deservedly bring Rudd wider acclaim.