Album Review: "Mixed Shapes" by Tom Schreck (8/10)

Distributed by: Nashville Outsider Music

Producer: Tom Schreck

Nashville multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Schreck has long been a proponent of the DIY approach to music. Historically, his work has reflected an artist singularly immersed in his muse. But here the talented tunesmith takes a step back and honors the wealth of influences that have helped shape his art. This double album features a mixed bag of goodies from a mind-boggling list of sources. Deep cuts from Bob Dylan and Bela Fleck dovetail harmoniously with acoustic gems from Metallica, Buck Owens and Rihanna. Schreck recorded much of the material in his home studio and there’s a lo-fi warmth that is truly endearing.