Out of context, ‘Mesabi’ is a record full of emotionally raw country schtick. Russell combines a pleasing mix of brass and piano, maracas and joviality and it seems on this album he has really allowed himself to take control and have fun.

Opening track ‘Mesabi’ is a limitless, country knees-up painting a picture of American geography and the famous iron range where the album gets its name (and also, Bob Dylan’s birthplace). Tracks like ‘Farewell Never Never Land’ are where the real story time lies, as Russell dedicates almost six minutes asking: “What ever happened to Bobby Driscoll?” (Disney child star who played Peter Pan in 1953).

The record has its fair share of ballad tracks however, with ‘When Legends Die’ and ‘A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall’ being highlights. One of the most impressive things about this record is how it channels so much playfulness in places, but in others – it could be the emotive soundtrack to your darkest hours.

So what use is a review of a man who has impressively produced 26 albums over the space of 40+ years? He obviously knows what he’s doing by now. I don’t need to tell you how ‘Mesabi’ has cemented Tom Russell’s reputation as a stalwart of country music because it is already plain to see. But just in case you have not heard any of the previous 25 records, here is your chance with number 26. Mesabi is definitely worth a listen.