Chicago Farmer, the moniker for Cody Diekhoff, released his fifth album, “Homeaid“, on March 6th, via Lohi Records. Produced by Hard Working Americans’ Chad Staehly, it was recorded at Pachyderm studios, Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Six years after the brilliant “Flyover Country“, this new record brilliantly blends folk, country, roots rock and americana.
Todd Snider once said about Cody Diekhoff that “It’s the intention behind the whole of his work that moves me to consider him the genuine heir to Arlo Guthrie or Ramblin’ Jack Elliott“. John Prine was also a great influence for Diekhoff, and that’s why you have such a tremendous quality of the songwriting and the storytelling all along the album. But “Homeaid” is not a singer songwriter record: recorded with Diekhoff’s touring band, the Fieldnotes, it’s an album with a high quality of instrumentation.
Cody Diekhoff’s hometown, Delavan, Illinois, is a little town of the Midwest, and it’s a key to understanding the authenticity of the record and the excellent storytelling.
Among such a lot of excellent songs, three of them are particulary outstanding, in my opinion. “Tina Hart’s Mustang“, the opening song, let you enjoy the excellence of the storytelling, the quality of the music and Cody Diekhoff’s unique voice. “Mile Marker 2S” is a wonderful song, masterfully written, and with excellent pedal steel. But for me, “Battlecry” is the definite masterpiece on this record. I can’t help thinking about Tyler Childers when I listen to this splendid song, for its style and for the way that Diekhoff sings it. A real gem.
“Peshtigo“, released as a single on December 3d, is also a fantastic song, with rock vibes and great guitars, as is the other single recently released, “Great River Road“, with excellent instrumentation and songwriting.
“Mattress“, with wonderful harmonica, and the title track,a brilliant roots rock song, are also excellent tunes.
“Homeaid” is definitely an album that you’ll appreciate if you love authentic and brilliant storytelling, relatable songs and quality music. I’ve no doubt that you’ll have several of its songs on repeat. With such a wonderful record, Chicago Farmer is, more than ever, the real deal.
Nicolas Davelu
Country Music France 
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