Charlie McCabe sure does makes the concept of disassociation sound mighty appealing. On his latest single, "In My Mind", he starts by painting a drab existence in suburban Chicago. His wife is upset but he can't decipher why, and his job is a mountain of tedious paperwork being micromanaged by an overbearing boss. None of this matters, however, because he has the gift of mental severance... "in my mind I'm on a beach somewhere down in Mexico". The chorus is an ode to a Walter Mitty-esque escape; a sunny mental refuge that keeps him happy and moving forward. His instrumental choices all of a sudden make sense, evoking images of sun-drenched beaches and carefree afternoons. Hawaiian-infused pedal steel guitars lend a tropical flavor that perfectly underscores his mental getaway to the Gulf. This musical backdrop channels the spirit of artists like Jimmy Buffett, creating a sonic landscape that feels as refreshing as an ice cold piña colada. Charlie's bright, southern-inflected drawl ads a levity to the vocal that perfectly compliments the headspace of the chorus, showcasing that you can still sound great while relaxing and not taking yourself too seriously. With its blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary country sensibilities, Charlie will have you wanting to close your eyes and join him a white sand beach in the Yucatan in his wonderful imagination.
