The son of the great country crooner Bobby Bare is a different kind of Nashville cat, although both are smart, distinctive singers. Billed as “11 songs—11 people—11 hours,” The Longest Meow was cut in one super-productive session last March and appears to have been fueled by large quantities of liquid fun. Teaming with players from the indie bands My Morning Jacket, Lambchop, Trail of the Dead, and Clem Snide, Bare sounds like he just tumbled out of bed after a big night on the town. Game for nearly anything, he can spin a delicate, heartrending tale (“Gun Show”) or unleash a hard-rocking cry for help (“Uh Wuh Oh”), and is utterly persuasive either way. Don’t mistake Bare’s scruffy delivery or rich sense of humor for a lack of commitment. Between the anxious pop of “Snuggling World Championships” and the dramatic “Stop Crying,” which feels menacing and comforting at once, this is a cathartic thrill ride.
