Willy Mason, ‘Carry On’

Willy Mason Carry OnBack in February, we caught an early glimpse at Willy Mason’s follow-up to 2007’s If the Ocean Gets Rough, in which the Martha’s Vineyard songwriter ponders “growing up and trying to find one’s place” as a “Restless Fugitive.” Set to a world-weary march, the track suggested Mason has picked up a few fresh tricks along his travels while keeping the wise-beyond-his-years spirit of early, Conor Oberst and Radiohead-endorsed material intact. Now comes another surefooted step toward what he’s described as “the third and final chapter to a particular narrative.” Above, stream/download a spare, solo-electric number called “Carry On.” It’s the title track and his best cut since “Oxygen,” to these ears.  Carry On, the LP, is due on December 3rd.