On vagabond Adam Stokes' self-released debut, Friends Like These, a dozen friends (hence the title?) contributed and collaborated, so this best-of truly represents the best that Austin has to offer. Despite so many hands on deck, it's a pleasant surprise to hear that the disc has a constant... [+] Expand

On vagabond Adam Stokes' self-released debut, Friends Like These, a dozen friends (hence the title?) contributed and collaborated, so this best-of truly represents the best that Austin has to offer. Despite so many hands on deck, it's a pleasant surprise to hear that the disc has a constant continuum. This might be due to his own strong will, or the fact that he only had one producer (Jayson Nelson). Regardless, the disc flows seamlessly from start to finish with fresh, rock-seared folk, not unlike the earlier independent releases from Shawn Mullins, only replacing his Southern vibes with corn-fed Americana. Most of the disc features melancholic takes on familiar emotional themes, but the songs never seem trite in spite of the well-tread ground they cover. Fans of Shawn Colvin and Pete Yorn should love this album, if nothing else for its honesty. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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