PLAIN FOLK

I Need Wheels - Mike Stack
by Ron Mason

As the wheels of a fine automobile, eighteen wheeler or a Greyhound bus turn, roll and spin, so do the songs of Mike Stack on his fine debut solo effort "I Need Wheels". If you love to drive down the road to the rhythm of a great country rocker, then songs like "Johnny Love", "Coming Home" and "Highway" will have you groovin behind the wheel.

If you are a fan of those sweet and simple country songs that transport you to those emotions of love lost and won, songs like "You'll Know When" (sung wonderfully together with Jane Hauley) and "Cryin' on My Knees" are just what your ears need.

By far, the highlights of this album are the moving and diverse collection of stories that this fine balladeer writes and sings with a powerful voice that can bring smiles and tears. "White Cross" is a haunting and riveting song that follows a mans dispair and anger at the white cross that marks his son's fatal accident on the highway. ":Doolin to Tralee" is a fine celtic ballad that was born during Mike's travels in Ireland. "Je T'aime" is a beautiful love song that follows love down the road to Vancouver on a Greyhound bus.

If I had to pick a favorite from this fine group of songs it would be the Mexican flavoured "The Dance of Love". This song frolics and romps through the marriage of Vincenzo and Rose Maria and leaves you tapping your toes and humming its tune long after the disc has finished. This great recording is one that lovers of quality songs performed with great emotion and style will not be disappointed by!