Here’s a glance at some new albums I had the chance to listen to this week.
The Wreckers, Stand Still, Look Pretty
I have to admit, Michelle Branch has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. She’s gone off and started a group with her former backup singer, Jessica Harp. They’ve taken a more Country approach than we’ve seen from Branch’s pop-rock past. Like John Mayer’s move to the bluesy Trio, this is a move that gains my respect. Its great to see such young artists taking chances and doing a good job with it. If you are a Jewel fan, you will like this album. The melodies are beautifully composed and there are plenty of songs on here that stand on their own. I love the name of the band but it totally doesn’t match the pretty glamour shot on the album cover. The duo is just too pretty for their name. Maybe they’ll become true twangers over time. Its a nice start deserving of applause. Talent abounds. We’ll certainly hear more from Branch & Harp, Wreckers or not. Start with: “Leave the Pieces”
Johnny Cash, Personal File
Cash had a treasure chest full of acoustic recordings that only now have been packaged for our consumption. This 2-disc set includes a whopping 49 tracks. Listening to the album is like having Johnny over your house playing some tunes just for you in your living room. Its really remarkable. While I don’t think there are any tracks that particularly stand out, this makes for quite a collection. Its all good.
Juana Molina, Son
Reminiscient of some of Beth Orton’s early work albeit in Spanish, Argentinian Juana Molina brings us a beautiful collection of folk tunes with electronic influences.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.