Like the aunt that you only see at Christmas, some people put out a vibe that’s fun to be around. Â Same thing with some records. Â My case in point is the second release from Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kelsey Waldon, Anybody’s Darlin’. Â I’ve listened to this record half a dozen times now and I can’t really put my finger on why, but I like it.
It starts with the title track, an indie kind of number about not being tied down or held responsible that channels a serious Neko Case style of vocals. Â Next up is Whole Lotta Things, with a guest spot by Tim O’Brien, where Kelsey’s voice takes on more of a sweet, innocent tone than the guarded distance of the previous song. Â Cut 3 is Who Turned You Bad with a sound that’s kind of The-Coasters-Do-Country. Â It’s got a wicked little turn with it’s question of “was it me that turned you bad?” Â Then comes It Doesn’t Mean That It’s You that slides back into a cynical view of love: “when somebody says they love you it doesn’t mean it’s true, when somebody says they miss you it doesn’t mean they do.” Â The next couple of tunes don’t have quite the appeal for me that the first part of the album does, but then she finishes with a cover of Neil Young’s Only Love Can Break Your Heart. Â As a testament to both the song and the performance, her interpretation comes off with a real 60’s groove even though it sounds nothing like the original.
Ms Waldon is clearly still finding her own voice and trying out a few tricks from her obvious influences (she does a spot-on cover of a Beatles verse in It Doesn’t Mean That It’s You–you’ll know it when you hear it). Â Just as clearly she’s developing some pretty serious chops as a songwriter and the style will come in time. Â With mentor’s like Tim O’Brien and producer Phil Harris she’s got some heavyweights in her corner and I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.