People Are My Drug

Released in 2018, People Are My Drug represents a significant expansion of Phil Cook's sonic palette, moving beyond the acoustic-leaning folk of his debut toward a more robust, ensemble-driven sound. Recorded with his band, The Guitarheels, and featuring the vocal power of the Blind Boys of Alabama on select tracks, the album is a deliberate homage to the Southern musical traditions of gospel, soul, and rhythm and blues. Cook, a veteran of the Eau Claire and Durham music scenes, uses this record to explore themes of social cohesion and spiritual resilience. The album was largely recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis, a choice that clearly influenced its soulful, punchy production. Critics praised the record for its infectious energy and Cook's ability to modernize traditional roots music without losing its historical weight. It stands as a centerpiece in his catalog, bridging the gap between his work as a sought-after collaborator and his identity as a solo bandleader.