Eavesdropping is one thing everyone does, but writing songs about it is something different.Tim Easton, a 1992 Ohio State University graduate and a singer/songwriter, focuses many of his songs on lyrics that are personal to his listeners in his new and extraordinary album “Special 20,” released Oct. 16, 1998.Easton’s closing song, “Rewind,” is a story about barroom eavesdropping. The lyrics ” … now rewind, let me watch it all over,” lead the listener to their own familiarity of eavesdropping because everyone is tempted to listen to others’ conversations. Once they hear, they are tempted to keep listening.”Some songs (on the album) are about eavesdropping on those that have kicked themselves in the teeth,” Easton said.Easton describes his music as a combination between folk and rock. “Special 20” is his first solo release after taking a break from his Columbus band, Haynes Boys. He went to Alex the Great Studios in Nashville to make his new creation with producers Brad Jones and Robin Eaton.All the songs were recorded in the studio, except the album’s first song, “Just Like Home,” which was recorded at his home on a 4-track. He was joined in the studio by several inspirational musicians, including Ross Rice on drums (Steve Earle), Sean Beal on guitar (Big Back Forty), Tramp on mandolin (Lucinda Williams), Jim Hoke (NRBQ), Brad Jones on keys (Matthew Sweet, Ron Sexsmith), Matt Surgeson on bass and Al Perkins on pedal steel, banjo and dobro.”Special 20,” a 10-song collection, is named after a harmonica made by Hohner. It is used in the title track as a metaphor for an elusive woman, Easton said.Easton first recorded around 1993 after traveling through Europe as a street performer. A 14-song album, released on Podulka Records out of the Czech Republic, featured some of his own originals and some adaptations of songs done by Doc Watson and Blind Lemon Jefferson. The album was released in the Czech Republic but did not come with him to America.After returning to Ohio to form the Haynes Boys, Easton wrote the songs on the band’s first album, which was released on Slab Recordings in 1997. The 11 songs were produced by Maverick/Warner Brothers.”Easton does a lot of writing for other artists,” said Blake Squires, vice president of PromoWest Productions. “And he still plays with his old band (Haynes Boys) about once every three months.””Special 20” is described as the first link for Easton between street musician and band member. The songs on his album take the listener to the country with the first song, “Just Like Home” with its feet stompin’ and swingin’ melody, to folk ballads with “All the Pretty Girls Leave Town.””Some songs are in the first person, but they’re narrative – it’s not me I sing about,” Easton said. “It is a character portrayal.””Torture Comes to Mind” is one song that portrays Easton in a rock and roll band.Easton is back to work with the Haynes Boys and J.P. Olsen, also an OSU alumnus. They are working on a record, “Burn Barrel,” which will be released in February. Easton will add his guitar and backup vocal talents.Easton is writing and rehearsing for a new solo release this year.When asked what inspires him most, Easton simply said, “Fear of wearing a tie.”Easton will be playing at Woody’s in the Ohio Union Thursday at 9:30, 1739 N. High St. For more information, call the Union at 292-3117 or Blake Squires at 461-6285.