The careworn ambience of Shawn Mullins' 11th studio album comes honestly. Since 2006's "9th Ward Pickin' Parlor," the Georgia-born troubadour lost his mother and had his favorite guitar and songwriting computer stolen in a home burglary. And his dog died. But while "honeydew" has its share of laments, they're not necessarily Mullins'. As on his previous releases the singer/ songwriter creates a series of vividly drawn, three-dimensional characters and puts the weight of the world on them, usually with a Southern accent and a gripping affect that sucks the listener deeply into their stories. There's rustic roots imagery of "See That Train," where the ghosts of Johnny Cash and Elmore James tap their feet in unison, and the rich, swelling sound of the Band on "All in My Head." "Song of the Self (Chapter 2)" is the kind of solo performance that evokes a mid-week sunset.—Gary Graff