Son Stone releases new single "Don't Take Me Back Carleen"

In his newest single, "Don't Take Me Back Carleen," the award-winning songwriter and musical storyteller Son Stone (Ben Diamond) shows once more why his songs are essentially lived-in stories told within unforgettable melodies. Alternating country grit and poetic wit along with liberal doses of self-aware charm, the song stands as a perfect example of a songwriter who can walk the line between heartbreak and hilarity, sometimes within the same breath.

"Don't Take Me Back Carleen" strikes a note that is recognizable and yet new. The song's name may imply it's a plea for reconciliation, but the lyrics subvert that premise with a super turn. This is a cautionary tale set to a toe-tapping hustle. The jukebox-bound, mustachioed Ben Diamond showcases some impeccable storyteller chops, packing the dry humor of John Prine and the whiskey-soaked soul of Tom Waits into his warbling, faux-cracked croon. The song's narrator looks back on a relationship gone sour with candor, a hint of remorse, and a heap of self-awareness. And yet, throughout it all, there's a certain warmth, no bitterness, only a shrug and a smile, and the sort of wisdom that comes the hard way.

"Don't Take Me Back Carleen" is pared down yet full of texture. There's a solid rhythm section underneath, and the occasional, just-right guitar twang that flavors but does not dominate the lyrics. Son Stone isn't just a songwriter, but an experienced player. He's at ease in the craft and bold enough to let the song breathe in its space.

Son Stone's history as a Hawaiian Slack Key fingerstyle player is evident in his nuanced phrasing and fingerpicking dexterity, adding a layer of complexity to the otherwise simplified country song. From opening up for legends like Jorma Kaukonen to turning lighthearted heartbreaks into acoustic gold, Stone keeps on making a name for himself. On "Don't Take Me Back Carleen," Son Stone serves as a gentle and effective reminder that country music doesn't have to take itself so seriously to punch you in the gut. It's bright, soulful, and unexpectedly funny, a perfect track for anyone who's ever loved, lost, and laughed about it afterward.

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