ALBUMS OF THE MONTH:
Low on Cash, Rich in Love, by Eric Lindell
Northern California musician Eric Lindell has found a spiritual home in New Orleans and it inhabits every corner of his latest release. Opener “Lay Back Down” eases you in with a breezy R&B feel before giving way to tracks like the bluesy “Josephine.” Other stand-outs include the doo-wop flavored “Tried and True” and the album’s sole cover, a steamy take on Gil Scott-Heron’s “Lady Day and John Coltrane.” The latter track burns with a groove propelled by tight organ riffs and a wailing harmonica solo. “I’m low on cash, low on dough, rich in soul and other things,” sings Lindell on the 1970’s funk-enriched title track. Lindell is clearly rich in musical experience and it’s a treat to share in his musical wealth.
THE PLAYLIST:
Hoops, Alex Woodard (from the forthcoming Adrenaline Records release Alex Woodard)
This song is brilliantly conflicted. What begins as a straight-forward power pop song takes a slight turn towards hillbilly honky-tonk. The musical schizophrenia matches the tale of a guy running away from a relationship only to scamper back by the end of the song. This song is a whole heap of fun.
Standing Bird, Love Psychedelico (from the Hacktone Records release This Is Love Psychedelico)
I’m totally enamored with this song. The hook is simple, yet the Japanese duo Kumi (vocals) and Naoki (guitar) do so much with it. They start with an infectious fuzzy guitar riff. Layered on top – but never overwhelming – are various harmonies, periodic drum fills brief guitar solos and ambling vocals deviations.
Broken Man, The Baseball Project (from the Yep Roc release Volume 1: Frozen Ropes & Dying Quails)
A super-group of sorts showcases an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball history set to a meaty rock beat. Features Scott McCaughley (Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5, R.E.M., Young Fresh Fellows) and Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate, Gutterball, Danny & Dusty, Miracle 3) Peter Buck (REM) and drummer Linda Pitmon (Miracle 3, Golden Smog) I was tempted to go with the potent “Ted Fucking Williams” for the title alone but settled on this acoustic-based ode to Mark McGuire.
The World Should Revolve Around Me, Little Jackie (from the S-Curve Records release The Stoop)
Take two parts Motown rhythm and one part hip-hop vocals, mix with spirited orchestral strings and you’ve got this late entrant for song of the summer.
Don’t Hear a Single, The Major Labels (from the self-released Aquavia)
Power pop dynamos Bleu and Mike Viola (Candy Butchers) combine their talents on this ironic tale of radio history. The melody is immensely catchy but still has the period twists and turns that, well, will likely prevent it from becoming a break-out Top 40 single.
Video, Kay Hanley (from the DeGuerre Records release Weaponize)
“I like your video, your video, I’ll admit that your music’s shit; I like your video
’cause in your video you look dope with the volume low.â”
Hello Morning, Mutlu (from the Manhattan Records release Livin’ It)
Continuing a long tradition of Philly blue-eyed soul comes Mutlu. This acoustic-based soul jam glimmers like a three minute ray of sunshine. Hello morning, indeed.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Sometimes I Cry, Buddy Miller (from the 1999 Hightone Records release Cruel Moon)
No one, and I mean no one, does twang better than Buddy Miller. With an unassuming grace Miller can captivate a room with the quiver of his voice. Pair that with a guitar prowess that is a beautiful as it is mournful and you’ll see why Miller is an American treasure. Now I know that it is cool to be playing Led Zeppelin tunes with Robert Plant on the Plant-Alison Krauss tour, but how about something new for the rest of us Buddy?
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.