Main Street Revival - Main Street Revival

Main Street Revival

​Main Street Revival
self-released; 2019

​3.9 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Life is full of problems. You run into them as soon you’re born. Those problems can be big or small but all of us will eventually find big ones. It’s not the problems that matter as much as how we decide to deal with them. Music for myself personally as well as the countless musicians often confide and find solace in the creative process.

For Doug Wallace he turned to making music when he was dealing with personal turmoil. He also turned to his friend  Alan Charlton who is also a musician. They spent a longtime on the eponymous album for Main Street Revival.

You might be inclined to think this might be a somber reflection. It might be a reflection but it doesn't feel somber, In fact it felt a little more like a cathartic celebration.

The album starts with the glorious “Night Rider” and this song plays into classic Americana in the spirit of Tom Petty. It’s empowering, drives and has the perfect amount of crunch. On top of that the chorus is mighty catchy and you might find yourself singing along in no time.

Next up is “I Wouldn't Worry” and this song is very joyful and chipper between the horns, organ and anthemic chorus. The title says it all really. When he sings, you believe him. They go through the process of finding his footing anew and in that fog of darkness there might be light ahead.

The album continues to roll forward with the country/pop infused “Shot in the Dark,” the reflective night wandering of “Riding the Waves” and album highlight “Rescue Me” which sounds like a revival. “Wild One” and “Time Is a Prisoner” shows more good songwriting as does The John Mellencamp-esque “Baby Game.” I felt like the soulful “Release Me” was another highlight. They close with “Teenage Love” which is by far the most reflective feeling and nostalgic song in the batch.

​Jim Morrison sang “Music is your only friend / Until the end.” I remember hearing those lyrics when I was young and didn’t have an understanding of what it meant. It wasn’t until much later in life when I had to confront my own darkness that music held my hand and walked me back into a place where I could see again. I have a feeling Wallace understands all too well how music can be there for you when it needs to be.

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