ALBUMS OF THE MONTH:
The Cake Sale, by The Cake Sale
When Brian Crosby and Paul Noonan of Ireland’s Bell X1 were inspired to create a benefit album for Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign, they formed the collective known as The Cake Sale. Friends ranging from Nick Seymour (Crowded House) and Nina Persson (The Cardigans) to Josh Ritter and Damien Rice jumped at the chance to participate, contributing original songs and their talents in the studio. Interesting, most of the songs are sung not by the songwriter but rather by another member of the collective. The blending of these voices — both figuratively and literally — results in a breathtaking song cycle. You’ll be captivated from the haunting and sparse opener “Last Leaf” to the brooding Pink Floyd-esque “Aliens” closer.
Free Life, by Dan Wilson
Former Semisonic front-man Wilson has blazed a prolific trail as a songwriter over the past few years, most notably winning a Grammy as co-writer of the Dixie Chick’s “Not Ready to Make Nice.” His long over-due debut solo release finally arrives to showcase Wilson’s intellect and pop sensibility. The music is well-balanced to let the diverse instrumentation shine. Lyrically, Wilson doesn’t retreat from exploring delicate topics with careful consideration. On “Free Life” he ponders, “Who we gonna end up being? How we gonna end up feeling? What you gonna spend your free life on?” Elsewhere, on the urgent “Breathless” he struggles with an unhealthy relationship, “All words converge to where you are, and if I follow I will surely find the horses gone the fire still warm and you’ve moved on an hour before, you like to keep me just one step behind.” This is an album the rewards repeated listens.
THE PLAYLIST:
Freckle Song, Chuck Prophet (from the Yep Roc Records release Soap and Water)
With touches of Randy Newman in his lyrical perspective and delivery, Prophet lets loose on this hip rocker from his latest release. A chugging guitar and solid backbeat propel the song forward as Prophet recalls Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On” with the line, “I like the way you freckle, I like the way you peel, I love to see your hair in a mess.”
Tell Me, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings (from the Daptone Records release 100 Days, 100 Nights)
For those like me who don’t get the Amy Winehouse hype, here’s a taste of the real deal. Winehouse “borrowed” the Dap Kings for her recent album and tour but its Jones who brings the heat. The track opens with a vamping guitar with accompanying horns until Jones lights a smoldering soul fire with a rousing “Wooh.” Get the party started.
Listening to Levon, Marc Cohn (from the Decca Records release Join the Parade)
Cohn tells a youthful tale of riding in his father’s car with his girlfriend, “Mary was talking a million miles a minute but I could not hear one word she was saying; I was lost, I was gone, Listening to Levon.” What better way to pay tribute to an American legend.
The Mountain, Levon Helm (from the Vanguard Records release Dirt Farmer)
And speaking of the legend, one of the most distinctive roots voice in American music makes a welcome return. One listen and you’d swear that Steve Earle wrote this song, originally recorded by Earle in 1999, specifically for Helm. When he sings, “I was born on this mountain, this mountain’s my home,” the sense of twang and regret breathes an unparalleled sense of authenticity into a song already rich in sorrowful imagery.
Will You Return?, The Avett Brothers (from the Ramseur Records release Emotionalism)
I’d love to hear a power punk band record this song as it is really a rock song masquerading as a bluegrass number. No matter, the Brothers demonstrate their pop songwriting chops on this gem. Scott Avett’s banjo is the sole instrument for most of the song, accompanied by some great brotherly harmonies, before the song opens up with a string flourish and drums.
What Am I Still Waiting For, House and Parish (from the Arena Rock Records release One, One Thousand)
Brooklyn’s House & Parish start with solid indie rock songs but mix them with dense production and ethereal background vocals. This track from their debut ep is the perfect companion for a late night drive, pushing you forward with a driving beat yet loose enough to let your mind wander through the melody and lyrics.
Live Out the String, Marc Cohn (from the Decca Records release Join the Parade)
The Pianist-songwriter reflects on surviving an attempted car-jacking with this uplifting number, “Who knows if we had angels on our shoulders that night with the devil in the street; Who knows if it means we’ve got more work to do but hey baby don’t the air taste sweet?”
FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Take a Letter Maria, R.B. Greaves
Tom’s Soul Collection inspired me to dig into the archives for this gem. An electric piano and a stellar horn section provide exceptional lift while Greaves lays it on the line: “Take a letter Maria, address it to my wife, say I won’t be coming home, gotta start a new life. Take a letter Maria, address it to my wife, send a copy to my lawyer, gotta start a new life.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.