This album takes its name from the Volkswagon camper van in which Charlie Loesel travelled across the States for six years after giving up his day job as an engineer.
His experiences as a modern day troubadour are somehow compressed into thirty minutes of music via its eight songs although, in saying that, there isn't anything in the country-blues tunes that particularly suggests a nomadic existence.
The only place name he mentions is Lincoln County and the tunes reflect on love, friendship, gambling and drinking rather than the life of a journeyman.
There is, however, a running theme affirming the importance of self belief and forging your own path (Cover My Tracks / Made It Myself ) as well as promoting the benefits of having "no deadlines, no plans" (Nothing To Lose).
In this sense, you would say that it is an album of reflections on what it means to be free.
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Loesel is now based in Seattle where the basic tracks were recorded although keyboards and horns were added during the mixing stage in New York City. The result is a full band sound which also includes cello, upright bass, dobro and fiddle.
All the songs slide along with an easy-going unhurried rhythm and the leisurely mood is accentuated by his gruff yet gentle voice.
He saves the best song for last when he pays tribute to two of his main inspirations to a lively Cajun beat on 'Jack Daniel's And Johnny Cash' ("God's two angels").
The album is by no means a classic but it has a lived-in feel for those looking for some warm easy-listening vibes.
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