Lucky 7 by Ron Fleeger & the Stranger

The trio Ron Fleeger & the Stranger from Williamsport have put together a collection of acoustic-driven songs with melodic hooks and precision technique on their album called Lucky 7. Although, the central theme of post-breakup blues persists throughout, the album provides much diversity in tempo and tone to make it worth a definate listen or three.

Lucky 7 kicks off with the bar room anthem “In My Wake”, a catchy sing-along (or chant-along) that describes crying in the beer but with good natured reminiscence. The next song, “The Fisherman’s Fantasy” comes complete with “spraying effects” and contains perhaps the most inventive lyrics on album (…sliding closer to endless bliss, I will not be afraid of the abyss…).

The core of the album continues with the broken marriage theme. “Forever Obsession” is upbeat and intense while “Fool’s Dream” is more happy-go-lucky and reminicent of Nick Lowe’s “Cruel to Be Kind” complete with multi-part vocals in the coda of the song. “Judgement Eyes” is a dynamic and angry, albeit appealing, jam that gives way to the ballad “When Love Went Out of Style” which, while interesting, is perhaps a bridge too far into the “lover’s lament” field.

The production quality of Lucky 7 is adequate but uneven. While Fleeger’s acoustic guitar is superb and well-represented in the mix, the bass guitar in nearly non-existent at times and the drums seem trapped in a narrow band near the center of the EQ spectrum. Nonetheless, this album is interesting and entertaining enough for me to want to hear more from Ron Fleeger & the Stranger in the future.


NOTE: Ron Fleeger & the Stranger donated their song "Judgement Eyes" to the Dollars for Diane compilation. Check out their profile page.