Hudson Mueller - Welcome To Earth (2025)

This is interesting — an Austin, Texas-born artist now based in Brooklyn, NY drawing inspiration from country legends like Willie Nelson & author Kurt Vonnegut. Now, if you told me he was inspired by Richard Farina, Doc Pomus & Richie Havens with a touch of Joseph Mitchell (the book “Up In the Old Hotel”) then I’d be curious. But let’s give old Mueller a chance. He is a good storyteller & the musical mix could still be compelling.

There are 11 “little book of spells” to Welcome To Earth produced by Mike Bloom & recorded in Brooklyn. There’s no sawdust on the floor but maybe some Coney Island sand. Hudson Mueller (acoustic/electric guitars/vocals) is in his 3rd decade as a musician.

This is finally his first solo LP that digs into topics with a generous dip into country with melodic grooves taking turns into philosophical & deeply personal concerns.
Some songs touch upon the corrupting influence of success, a cruise through radical inclusivity & revisiting memories. Not your run of the mill potpourri but this is what makes some songwriters worth a listen.

The LP begins with a plaintive ballad (“Money Vs Fame”) that while slathered in country-bravura isn’t necessarily too country. There’s a touch of Jackson Browne/John Prine in some rockier songs (“Love Is Love”) too. Hudson uses an affirming soft-spoken vocal much the same as balladeers like the late Tim Hardin, Greg Copeland & Bill Morrissey.

The gospel tinted “Maintain” is energetic, though surprisingly, Hudson doesn’t go all fire & brimstone vocally. He leaves the nice touch to the choir to provide & they do. Hudson seems to have respect for his material. Even the third track, “Xanthippe’s Blues,” is not hippie-dippy or silly. It’s Guy Clark warm, gently sophisticated & would make the late Gram Parsons appreciate the country-rock framework.

Mr. Mueller’s voice is soft but retains power through his range & clarity. “Eternal Vagabond” is a beauty. Something Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young would’ve picked up on if not the Grateful Dead. Hudson mines a musical area that’s had its motherlode years ago but he’s still finding nuggets, nonetheless. His voice is genuine & the songs are written with just enough country polish to abstain from campiness.

These songs are Hudson’s children. They’re well-dressed, fed & nurtured. No doubt.