Better late than never for David Corley’s ‘Available Light’ debut

‘Available Light’
David Corley (self-released)
4 stars out of 5

After repeated spins of David Corley’s debut album “Available Light,” I keep returning to the same basic question: What in the world took the 53-year-old Corley so long to make a record? This is a terrific colleciton of bluesy rock tunes that showcase the Indiana native’s estimable skills as a songwriter and his pleasingly raspy singing voice.

Though he’s dabbled in music his entire life, Corley held down a series of “normal” jobs — tending bar, delivering trucks, roofing — to make ends meet. After undergoing heart surgery at age 40, Corley returned tohis hometown of Lafayette, Ind. to recuperate. It’s there that he turned his attention to his music. And I’m really glad he did.

“Available Light” is a remarkably accomplished song cycle, highlighted by standouts like the title track, “Beyond the Fences,” “Dog Tales,” “Unspoken Thing,” “Neptune/Line You’re Leavin’ From” and “The Calm Revolution.” Here’s hoping Corley doesn’t make us wait too long for the next album. (Jeffrey Sisk)