It is possibly that many of Anders' influences are musicians or bands I am familiar with. Maybe it is a tear in the space time continuum that explains this.

Whatever the case, Osborne has created a real masterpiece with this album "Living Room", his fifth album, and first studio release in four years. On this release Osborne easily assimilates his influences and different styles(ala New Orleans) to make a remarkably eclectic album which never seems to tire the listener.

The opening "Boxes, Bills and Pain" starts with Osborne singing softly and some percussion. Slowly the song builds eventually becoming a blues rocker. The song is filled with emotion and sorrow, certainly commenting on what has taken place in his life over the last year(check out www.andersosborne.com to read a review concerning the problems Osbore has encountered over this last year and its influence on this album).

The next track, "Greasy Money", is a happier blues song which is just plain funky. Keb Mo sits in on the track and really the only way to describe the sound is addicting. Memories of Little Feat are resurrected with this track. Near the middle of the song there is a horn break, which is all New Orleans. In the end, "Greasy Money" comes off as a tour of the city of Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street.

After "Greasy Money", the album reaches one of my favorite tracks, "Coast to Coast Blues", which was apparently a Bob Dylan reject. The song is in the same vein as "Greasy Money", though it remains more blues, rather than venturing into the New Orleans jazz district detour. Osborne's singing is emotional and soulful, while the slide guitar playing is absolutely impeccable.

The album coasts along, hitting "Ya Ya", a song which features a rave up, everyone-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs chorus. It would be a hell of a lot of fun to hear this song live and to sing along with the chorus "ya-ya,ya,ya!".

Another standout occurs near the end of the album, entitled "Jetstream". This track is reminscent of some early Van Morrison chestnuts, yet Osborne's voice one would have to agree is better. With horn parts, and piano, the song is the most R&B/Jazz track on the album.

In the end, Osborne's album reminds one of many different bands and performers. At times you will swear you are listening to the Allman Brothers or Little Feat. Then on the next track Osborne will sound like Van Morrison or the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. "Living Room" is a testimony to this talent of Osborne's. His constant use of many genres and influences is only made better by his heartfelt voice and lyrics. One can only hope that many will discover this amazing work and realize the importance and magnitude of this album, for it is destined to be a classic.