motel void

At first glance, the setlist for Mike Stocksdale’s new live album Settle Down! Live at the Hotel Cafe 12.11.24 might seem a little intimidating—nearly 30 tracks in total. But don’t let that scare you off. The songs are so immersive that the listening experience never feels overwhelming. Moreover, many of the tracks are intertwined with spoken interludes, short stories that serve as natural breathers between songs. It was a wise decision to include them—they add warmth and depth to the performance.

Even after just a few songs, it’s clear that Stocksdale is a brilliant vocalist with a great feel for acoustic guitar. Bad Bad World stands out with its beautiful melody—the first name that came to my mind while listening to this track was Cat Stevens. The qualities I love about Stevens’ recordings—dynamic range, emotional depth, and the ability to move seamlessly between quiet introspection and more powerful, expressive moments—are all present here.

Andersonville transported me straight into the atmosphere of Old Joy, one of my favorite films—or really, any poetic road movie with a sense of adventure and longing.

Stocksdale introduces friends and special guests throughout the set, adding to the cozy, communal vibe. The spoken interludes between songs are soothing, sometimes humorous, and heartfelt, making you feel as if you’re right there in the room. One of the highlights is The Old Band, where he invites a few guests on stage just at the right moment, bringing a fresh dimension to the set with richer vocal harmonies and fuller arrangements.

Wishes and Wants is another standout—Stocksdale’s emotive singing and masterful fingerpicking create a darker, melancholic mood that instantly reminded me of one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Jackson C. Frank.

The second half of the album offers some of my favorite moments. Songs like Cryin’ About It exude a relaxed yet melancholic nostalgia, reminiscent of Sam Beam’s work (Iron & Wine). Alexandra, featuring another guest, once again showcases Stockdale’s guitar skills, while No Fun carries a slightly Dylan-esque melody that suits his voice well. Matador is an uplifting, slightly playful track, though personally, I’m more drawn to Stocksdale’s more wistful, introspective side.

The evening closes with Nothing Like Beginning, featuring subtle percussion that adds a final layer of depth. It’s a song that feels both tender and anthemic, radiating positive energy.

Settle Down!… is a rich, emotionally charged live album. The last time I was this captivated by an album in this genre was Zach Bryan’s latest release—and that’s no small compliment.

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