Dream Sequence.

Old 97's Frontman Announces New Solo Album, Offers Free Download.

This afternoon, local luminary Rhett Miller announced that his sixth solo album, The Dreamer, will earn its release on June 5.

Though the title sticks with the theme of three out of his last four releases (See: The Instigator, The Believer, The Interpreter), and features past collaborator Rachael Yamagata, the production and overall direction The Dreamer takes is slightly different.

Unlike on his last studio album, Miller has decided to forgo the production talents of local studio ace Salim Nourallah, who has also produced the last few albums by Miller's band the Old 97's, in order to record the project himself.

“I produced The Dreamer myself, a first for me, and had a very clear vision of what it should be,” Miller says. “The Dreamer is all about simple American songs and instrumentation. It was a blast to make.”

Still, Miller had plenty of help. In addition to an appearance from Yamagata, the album also features a guest vocalist spot from singer-songwriter Roseanne Cash.

On the lead single “Out of Love,” which Miller has been kind enough to pass along to Central Track readers as a free download, twangy lead guitar licks sit atop some subtle steel guitar slides giving helping to retain some of Miller's Texas-born roots, while backing vocals by indie singer-songwriter Yamagata help move the track in a slightly more pop direction.