ALBUMS OF THE MONTH:
Waylon Forever, by Waylon Jennings
“You can take my life of luxury,” sings Waylon Jennings on the opening track of this posthumous release, “but you cannot take my soul today.” Backed by his son Shooter’s band the .357s, Jennings tackles heartfelt ballads and raucous rockers with equal aplomb. “Outlaw Sh*t” is a moving reflection on his lifelong reputation. “Don’t you think this outlaw shit has gotten out of hand,” he reflects against a poignant string arrangement. Choice covers of Cream’s “White Room” and Rodney Crowell’s “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This” prove that even in his waning years Jennings could still rock with a vengeance. Jennings had a voice that dripped with a lifetime of experience – and fortunately we get to hear it shine once again.
THE PLAYLIST:
Jaded, Todd Herfindal (from the Single Records release Collective)
Herfindal takes a break from Los Angeles band the Meadows to churn out an album of sunshine-ladel rock. Exhibit A is this track with an infectious melody chock full of jangly guitars Exhibit A is the infectious melody and jangly guitars of this track. It will make you long for a return to summer. (Stream the album at Todd’s web site.)
The Seasick Dawn, Sometymes Why (from the self-released Sometymes Why)
I was awestruck when I saw 2/3rds of this trio at Zack Hickman’s House of Ill Repute review. This lilting ballad is a perfect showcase for their enchanting harmonies.
Have You Made Up Your Mind, Paul Weller (from the Yep Roc release 22 Dreams)
It is surprising that Weller hasn’t found a larger audience. He whips up a potent concoction that blends Motown R&B with a classic rock edge.
Midnight Radio, Dar Williams (from the Razor & Tie release Promised Land)
Against a solo electric guitar Williams offers up her take on the moving meditation on female rockers from the rock opera “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” “Here’s to Patti, and Tina, and Yoko, Aretha, and Nona, and Nico and me.”
Either/Or, Wild Sweet Orange (from the Canvasback Music release We Have Cause to Be Uneasy)
Birmingham’s Wild Sweet Orange hearken back to the classic alternative rock years. An urgent beat propels the song, but it’s the raucous guitars that give it an edge.
Air I’m Breathing, Todd Herfindal (from the Single Records release Collective)
“I won’t waste another day on little things that don’t mean nothing, I just want to say, it took some time but I finally see it, thank you for the air I’m breathing.” (Stream the album at Todd’s web site.)
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.