DOUG HOEKSTRA – Around the Margins (Inbetweens) by Terrence Flamm

Doug Hoekstra still sings like he's announcing a golf tournament on television, but he's an engaging storyteller whose descriptive lyrics have an almost photographic quality.   On Around the Margins, his fourth release, Hoekstra once again delivers observations of small town life, train rides, and personal relationships.   His hushed, talkative singing and acoustic arrangements are embelleshed by a talentec collection of musicians and harmony vocalists.

The album's only failures are the overly cute "Laminate Man" and "Black and White Memories," which lacks a strong enough melody to make itse 60s nostalgia spring to life.  "Giving Up Smoking," on the other hand, effectively depicts a woman whose decision to kick the habit causes her boyfriend to recall a childhood incident when his father gave up smoking in order to set a good example.    The more energetic "For the Woman" describes a man whose only escape from his dull existence is through the passion he feels for his artist girlfriend.

"Houses Flying," which tells of traveling back home, is filled with authentic images of small town life.  "Stranger's Eyes" is simliar, but has a more fun, rocking arrangement.  "Birmingham Jail" and "The Life We Love" finds Hoekstra tapping into Gospel, thanks to the spirited back-up vocals of Nirva Dorsaint and Antonio Meeks.  Dorsaint shares lead vocals with Hoekstra on "Desdemona," a poetic ballad about an all too brief romantic encounter on a train.

"That's Where He Was Living" is a sad tale of murder and redemption while "Undone" offers a wisftful look at a man determined to forget his farm life roots only to find those characteristics reborn in his young son.  Both tunes are classic examples of Hoekstra's ability to infuse his folksy portraits of everyday life with real emotions.

Rating: 7 of 10 ("Wow")