ALBUMS OF THE MONTH:
Lurch, by Mike Viola
Whether recording under his own name or his Candy Butchers moniker, Viola is a master musical alchemist, building each song around varied instruments pulled from his bag of musical sounds. From the Fisher Price piano that kicks off “Maybe, Maybe Not” to the fuzzy bass of “It Comes in Waves,” the result is a sparkling collection of glorious pop confections. Opener “Maybe, Maybe Not” crackles with expectant insistence that defies its lyrical indecision while “You’re Alright But You Never Admit When You’re Wrong” ambles along with a charming melody, aided by sugary background vocals. “When I Hold You In My Arms” and “The Strawberry Blonde” are classic retro-pop, right down to the hand claps and “ooh ooh” chorus, respectively.
Brighter Than Creation’s Dark, by The Drive-By Truckers
The dual guitar cannons of Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood fire some of their sharpest tunes yet. Hood shines brightest on “The Righteous Path,” a first-person monologue of a man struggling to stand tall as life crumbles around him. “I don’t know God but I fear his wrath,” wails Hood over an urgent rock beat, “I’m trying to keep focused on the righteous path.” Meanwhile it is hard to tell whether Cooley inspired or was inspired by working with Bettye Lavette on last year’s excellent Scene of the Crime. No matter, the sinister “3 Dimes Down” crackles with gritty guitar and just the right amount of rhythm-and-blues attitude. New to the mix is bassist Shonna Tucker who serves up some tasty licks of her own on the rollicking “Home Field Advantage.” Mix in a healthy dose of acoustic ballads, no doubt emerging from last summer’s acoustic “The Dirt Underneath” tour, and you’ve got another stellar Trucker’s release.
I’ll Be Lightning, by Liam Finn
=I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect from Liam Finn’s solo debut. Perhaps that is why this release is such a refreshing surprise. Turned loose in his father’s (Split Enz/Crowded House guru Neil Finn) studio, Finn created a collection that bears more than a passing resemblance to the late-era Beatles studio explorations. From the percussive and “Lead Balloon” to the luscious harmonies of ballad “Shadow of Your Man,” Finn showcases tremendous creativity and pop sensibility.
THE PLAYLIST:
Bring on the Night, Mary Cutrufello (from the self-released album 35)
Roadhouse rock at its finest, delivered with fervor. I’m not sure which is tougher, Cutrufello’s powerhouse vocals or her rugged guitar-playing. When she sings “I still got my Ruger and a big buck knife” before ripping into a blazing guitar solo, it’s clear that she ain’t messing around.
Milwaukee, Layne (from the self-released Up From Down)
Laurie Geltman was part of the musical exodus from Boston to Los Angeles several years back and has finally re-emerged with a six-song ep under the name Layne. This rousing guitar-driven rock song has a killer hook that perfectly balances a bit of California sunshine with a touch of New England attitude.
Angels on a Passing Train, Marah (from the Yep Roc release Angels of Destruction!)
On a good night Marah can tear it up live, a quality that doesn’t always translate well to studio recordings. On their latest release, however, the band captures some of the boisterous energy of their live shows. This roots-based rocker careens down the rails with the Bielanko brothers signature harmonies, a touch of accordion and some wandering piano licks that provides an excellent counterpoint to the melody.
Take ‘Em As They Come, Mary Cutrufello (from the self-released album 35)
Willy and Cody Braun from Reckless Kelly join Cutrufello to tear through this Springsteen cover. I hate to say it, but as much as I like Reckless Kelly, Cutrufello dominates this one from start to finish. Bruce, consider yourself on notice.
Laredo (Small Dark Something), Jon Dee Graham (from the Freedom Records live release Swept Away)
Graham’s gruff vocals are matched only by his ferocious guitar-playing on this cut recorded live in Austin last February. This track hits like a shot between the eyes.
California, Willie Wisely (from the Oglio Records release Wisely)
Minneapolis native Willie Wisely has settled nicely into the laid-back Southern California pop scene, as documented on this wistful track from his latest release. Lyrics that conjure up a sunny afternoon day-dream are made all the more delightful by Wisely’s soothing vocals.
Nine Inch Nails, Ridley Bent (from the Open Road Recordings release Buckles and Boots)
Canadian country singer Bent showcases both his straight-up country chops and his sense of humor on this gem. “I got her Tool collection, she got my Working Man’s Blues, she got my Tom T. Hall, I got her Husker Du. Yea, we got ’em all mixed up when we were high She got my nine-pound hammer, I got her Nine Inch Nails”
Faithless, Jon Dee Graham (from the Freedom Records live release Swept Away)
“You need a strong heart, you need a true heart, you need a heart like that in a world like this so you don’t get faithless.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.