NPR / World Cafe :

Lee Bob Watson first tasted popularity with his California rock band Jackpot before winning fans with his punk-gospel outfit, Santa Cruz Gospel Choir. Most recently, Watson has launched a solo career after 10 years in the music industry.

Created in 10 days with minimal overdubbing, his solo debut (Aficionado) is built around a lively, natural sound. According to Watson, "The songs on Aficionado grapple with the quest for authenticity in a culture that is based on recycled themes and sounds." ~ David Dye, NPR World Cafe

NPR Music :

California's Lee Bob Watson is a country gentleman. He's the kind of guy that lives on slide guitar, scoffs at dance rock, and tries his damndest to make Johnny Cash proud. But on his latest album, Aficionado, Watson pairs his cowboy hat with Chuck Taylor's and adds an indie-rock flavor to his country roots.

Former Cake drummer Todd Roper and current Cake bassist Gabe Nelson back up Watson on the album, which was mostly recorded live with little or no overdubs.

On "Landfill," Watson plays with guitar feedback and criticizes the American Dream much like M. Ward or Conor Oberst's overt social commentary. "Lord I Know" opens with a drum fill straight from the Elvis Costello song "Watching the Detectives." And in his boldest attempt at hipster cred, the faux-disco drums on "Living in the Past" mix with an Elvis Presley-styled slapback vocal and palm muted guitar. ~ NPR Music