Texas native Scott Biram once again unleashes his one man band prowess with his third Bloodshot Records release titled “Something’s Wrong/Lost Forever.” For those of you not familiar with the man, or his music, sit back and enjoy this short miraculous tale.

Biram, who is also known as the Dirty Old One Man Band, has led a tumultuous life thus far to say the least. On May 11th, 2003, one month after being hit head-on by an 18-wheeler at 75 MPH, he took the stage at The Continental Club in Austin, TX in a wheel chair – I.V. still dangling from his arm. With 2 broken legs, a broken foot, a broken arm and 1 foot less of his lower intestine, Biram unleashed his trademark musical wrath. After only one month! Look at that mess! I can't imagine walking away alive and in one piece, let alone taking the stage in a month and continuing the journey. I guess music is his medicine.

That was not the end of Biram's misfortune. Just a couple of months ago while in Europe, he slipped and broke his good leg...another compound fracture and more rods and pins. He now has rods running through both legs. Not one to give up, he has taken six weeks to heal and is hitting the road once again in late May to promote the new record.

Certainly taking the stage like that would get anyone’s attention. He is either a lunatic, which may be debatable, or a man possessed by his music.

The new record displays Biram’s own blues in grand style, mixed in with a little country and classic rock vibe. While his vocal distortions can at times detract from the brilliant writing, his skills are endless. One look at the liner notes says it all. Produced by Scott Biram. Engineered by Scott Biram. All vocals, guitars, harmonica, footstomp, Hammond Organ, Knockin’, tambourine, and just plain hollering, by Scott Biram. You might get the idea that this guy may have a few control issues, but if you can do it well, it is fine with me.

The opening track, “Hospital Escape” aptly sets the desperation for this record. Hearing the mortality crying for help, while unsettling, properly sets up the tone for the record. Biram’s blues come from a dark place within. The song titles alone tell a story. “Time Flies,” “Still Drunk, Still Crazy, Still Blue,” “Ain’t It a Shame,” “Judgement Day,” “Draggin’ Down the Line,” “Hard Time,” all songs painting a picture of a true man. A man who has lived his life as he chose, not always making the right choices, but choices he must deal with throughout life.

The highlights include “Still Drunk, Still Crazy, Still Blue” where Biram’s anguish bleeds through, the acoustic “Draggin’ Down the Line” is perhaps the best song on the record, allowing his talents to shine without the distortion.

Biram closes the record with a great old a cappella version of the classic “Go Down Ol’ Hannah,” written by the immortal H. Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly. Biram’s true vocal talents shine here, allowing his soulful depths to captivate the listener.

Biram has a sound and quality all his own, without a doubt. He has certainly lived a life full of blues and misery, which he presents here. While this record may not be the first one you throw on to kick into a good mood, it should be within quick reach for those who enjoy music talent. While I prefer less distortion, Biram can certainly deliver mesmerizing glimpses of a talent that is waiting to explode. Those glimpses are worth the time here.