It comes down to the simple honesty that comes through in Jason Walker's songs.
His voice can be deceptively sweet at times, but there's nearly always a truthful ache in it. Lived-in, a little worn, sometimes even weary. His renowned pedal-steel often comes like a second personality - like a separate sadness reinforcing the point that he's really lived this shit.
But it's not entirely tears-in-the-beer country melancholy. Even while telling you Love Is A Lie, you get the feeling he's got enough hope to keep looking for it. He knows they might be Borrowed Tunes, but that's because they're of a sturdy tradition. And Mr Walker honours it.
