WHO IS HE? The alt-country singer-songwriter whose father is veteran Nashville pedal steel player Bucky Baxter — and who has blazed his own unique path through three studio albums showcasing his eclectic brand of roots music.
WHAT IS THIS? Believe it or not, a seven-song tribute EP to late rapper Mac Miller. Although they never met, Baxter was reportedly captivated and inspired by Miller’s music after seeing him perform at a 2016 outdoor festival.
WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE? A labour of love. Although Baxter is no rapper, he approaches Miller’s vulnerable tracks with respect and affection, gently and gracefully melding the original songs’ fusion of hip-hop, R&B, soul and jazz with his own rootsy touches, tones and textures.
WHAT WOULD BE A BETTER TITLE FOR THIS ALBUM? Objects in the Mirror.
HOW SHOULD I LISTEN TO IT? With admiration not only for the guts it took to tackle this project, but also for the inspiration and dedication it took to pull it off as beautifully as he has.
WHAT 10 WORDS DESCRIBE IT? Heartfelt, haunting, contemplative, understated, transfixing, melancholy, dusty, unvarnished, soothing, touching.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SONGS? The entire 29-minute disc is a striking, one-of-a-kind treat.
WHAT WILL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY? ‘I never thought I would enjoy this album so much — or find it so sweetly moving.’
HOW OFTEN WILL I LISTEN TO THIS? Sure, it’s something of a curiosity — but it’s also curiously compelling.
IF THIS ALBUM WERE A MOVIE, WHAT KIND OF MOVIE WOULD IT BE? A surreal yet sincere biopic.
SHOULD I BUY, STREAM OR STEAL? Proceeds go to the Mac Miller Legacy Fund to combat substance abuse, so that one’s a no-brainer.
