Ten years ago Steven Delopoulos was the lead singer of Burlap to Cashmere, whose eclectic music was a precursor to “collective” bands that have become so popular in the indie music scene over the last decade such as The New Pornographers, The Decemberists, Immaculate Machine, and the Arcade Fire.

Burlap to Cashmere featured driving choruses, many-layered compositions and Delopoulos’ passionate delivery and distinctive voice. The band made a huge splash back in 1998, moving into the top 30 on Billboard's new artist Heatseekers chart. But just as quickly as they had arrived on the scene, the band disappeared.

Then, in 2003, Delopoulos reappeared with a well-reviewed solo album, Me Died Blue. Comparisons were made and one reviewer went so far as to dub Delopoulos the Christian version of Paul Simon.

Now, this holiday season, Delopoulos blesses us with his second solo work, Straightjacket. Released via internet-only download on Thanksgiving Day, the album solidifies many of Delopoulos’ previous accolades and begs for maybe a few more.

Gone is his full band, wall-of-sound background, but what remains is all the best Burlap to Cashmere offered, toned down a few notches, along with the marked growth of Delopoulos as a lyricist and songwriter.

Straightjacket is full of relevant musical stories and parables that recall some of the best work of Harry Chapin, Gordon Lightfoot and yes, Paul Simon. Boasting influences ranging from Tom Waits to Don McLean to traditional Greek folk music, Delopolous breathes sometimes unexpected life into tender and beautiful ballads ("Fire Away," "Open Your Eyes"), experimental gospel numbers ("May I Always Feet My Feet Upon the Ground") and musical centerpieces ("Ruin of the Beast," "The Great Conductor") alike.

One standout, the album’s second track ("She Held My Hand") weaves the beauty of the sacrifice made for our redemption with the beauty of the love of a woman in such a poetic and mature way that I can’t imagine a lesser lyricist pulling it off without making me cringe.

Although I’ve only noted a few examples, there really isn’t a throwaway track here across 12 songs. Every one offers something new to the album and none of them overstay their welcome. Without a doubt, Steven Delopoulos has given us something this season to be thankful for.

review by Darryl A. Armstrong