GREG TROOPER

Upside-Down Town

gregtrooper.com

Singer and songwriter Greg Trooper goes slumming on the Upside-Down Town track “They Call Me Hank,” sung from the perspective of a luckless wino—but for much of his 10th album, he’s king of the barroom, the leader of the band. Backed by guitar, electric piano and a warmly whirring organ, Trooper makes sweet Saturday-night music: country, rock, soul and blues, all doled out in equal measure. Trooper covers all the bases, from train songs (“Might Be a Train”) and tearjerkers (“Bulletproof Heart”) to hopeful declarations of love (“We’ve Still Got Time”). When the last tune finishes you’ll settle up and tip the waitress before heading back into the night, grateful for 45 minutes well spent.