“Summer in Argentina” by Augustus James – A Song Review

     “Summer in Argentina” is a peaceful, calming smolder that unexpectedly bursts into an uplifting flame. The smolder is interesting throughout, but increasingly more powerful. At the start of the song from Augustus James, an acoustic guitar accompanies a soothing voice. Additional features enter as the song progresses. Each addition increases the texture of the song, while the spotlight remains on the vocals. The entrance of the harmonization only brightens that spotlight. Slightly later, the sound of brass does its best to draw attention; still, it’s not until the 2:20 mark that the contributions of the instruments are fully appreciated. The guitars dance to an increased tempo and the percussion becomes more than merely a metered beat. “Summer in Argentina” advances from being a strong single to being one with a power.

     Augustus James is the musical project of singer/songwriter Nathan James Kastner in collaboration with producer/multi-instrumentalist T.C. Young. The project is based in Washington, DC. Kastner was formerly with Saint James and the Whiskey Fires, with its Indie Folk having elements of Rock and Pop. He carried that blend to “Summer in Argentina.”

     “Summer in Argentina” is one of five tracks on the “Nora” EP from Augustus James.

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Website: https://www.augustusjamesmusic.com/

Lyrics of “Summer in Argentina” by Augustus James

And it is summer in Argentina

And there is bourbon flowing in my canteen

I’m not alone

I’ve been sleeping with a ghost

And I am holding my discretion

Close to my chest like a new obsession

I am hooked

I’m more an addict than I look

But you can take your high horse and I’ll take my mule

Ride it through the canyons 'till I’ve paid my dues

And when I reach the angel’s choir I’ll just lie

Saying I did the very best that I could

To survive

And it is winter in New York City

And there’s a girl who is

Waiting for me in the snow

Stuck in time and she froze

And I am holding back my opinions

Yeah, I am stifled, no I’m just neutral

I don’t know

If I am wrong or if I’m slow

But you can take your high horse and I’ll take my mule

Ride it through the canyons 'till I’ve paid my dues

And when I reach the angel’s choir I’ll just lie

Saying I did the very best that I could

To get by

Alright

And you can take the high road and I’ll take the low

Ride it through the deserts up to Mexico

And when I reach the border I’ll cross by night

Just praying that the Lord’ll keep me

Out of sight

And you can take your high horse and I’ll take my mule

Ride it through the canyons till I’ve paid my dues

And when I reach the angel’s choir I’ll just lie

Singin' I did the very best that I could

That I tried