Ben McLaughlin – “Midnight Hill”
McLaughlin is a remarkably prolific individual. A singer-songwriter in his own right, he’s also the touring drummer for Cruz Contreras, a session player with countless others and a highly capable soundman on the side. With this, his first solo album, he demonstrates a remarkable gift for writing durable melodies and playing every instrument, as well (with the assistance of Jake Smith on rhythm guitar and mellotron on the title track). Leadoff track “Enough” belies its title, offering a full throttle of rock ‘n’ roll revelry. The title track and “Impossible Stealing” take the music into more ethereal space, each a sprawling tour de force that spirals into astral realms. As the album progresses, so does the diversity and dynamicism, from the bluesy stride of “If You Really, Really Love Me” to the sway and savvy of “Sortin’ the Stakes” and “Forever You” and ultimately the casual serenade maintained in “Maze.” McLaughlan’s affection for vintage music is obvious, and as a result, all of these melodies come across as both moving and memorable. It’s a credit to his creativity that he’s managed to come up with such a solid debut. One can only anticipate what’s certain to follow. (mysticmarauding.com)
(Editor’s note: We will be publishing a full interview with McLaughlin in the June issue of BLANK. Check for that to hit streets sometime after Bonnaroo.)
My Politic – “Signs of Life”
An indie-folk duo fronted by Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey, My Politic originated in the Ozarks where the two musicians grew up. Their success as an ensemble clearly outweighs their humble origins, though. Over the span of the past 15 years, they’ve recorded 10 releases and toured consistently while staying in sync. They made their Woody Guthrie Folk Festival debut in July 2023, an appropriate accomplishment considering their decidedly down-home sound. That’s especially evident throughout this new album, courtesy of songs such as “Two in the Morning” and the title track in particular. Likewise, folk-sounding “From the Early Days” stays true to its title while the back-to-back ballads “No Other Way” and “Drifting Around the Ocean” share similar sentiments, as well. That’s not to say the group isn’t above tossing in a curiosity or two. “Signs of Life” finds them declaring, “I eat just enough mushrooms to have my mind blown apart.” (mypoliticmusic.com)
R.B. Morris – “Live Shots From Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s”
Suffice it to say that Morris is not only an East Tennessee musical institution and its original poet laureate, but he’s also a full-fledged renaissance man and an artist of national repute. His albums are certainly indicative of his extraordinary artistry, but it’s only after witnessing his captivating live concerts that the full expanse of his talent and tenacity is fully magnified. Consequently, his first complete concert collection offers ample evidence of his powerful and provocative performances. Recorded in the iconic environs of what is arguably one of Tennessee’s most enduring musical gatherings, it finds him backed by a notable group of veteran players — guitarists Kenny Vaughn and Hector Qirko, bassist Dave Jacques and drummer Paul Griffith. The album boasts 10 distinctively singular songs, among them such searing standouts as “Hell on a Poor Boy,” “That’s How Every Empire Falls” “Father Fisheye.” All are as magical as they are mesmerizing. Morris’ dramatic delivery comes across as both haunting and harrowing, and he manages to inhabit the individuals at the center of these nuanced narratives (especially on “Roy” and “Ridin’ With O’Hanlon”). An arresting set of songs, “Live Shots From Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s” is a definitive statement from a decidedly distinctive artist. (newshotrecords.com)
Nathan McEuen – “My One and Only”
It’s not unusual for the child of a famous father to follow in dad’s direction. Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Jason Bonham, Zac Starkey and any number of other musicians have done just that and gained fame courtesy of their own efforts. McEuen is no exception. The son of John McEuen, formerly of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and now a successful solo artist, the younger McEuen eschews the traditional tact taken by his father in favor of a series of seemingly effortless and accessible songs that place their emphasis as much on melody as musicality. The title track, an uplifting and optimistic ballad that’s effortlessly engaging even on first encounter, sets the standard. “Lately,” the song that follows, maintains the same calmness and clarity before giving way to an infectious refrain. “Up to No Good” provides a saunter in a way that maintains the agreeable attitude, while “Sticks & Stones” takes on a bluesy hue. On the other hand, the final offering, “Beautiful Night,” takes a somewhat surprising turn courtesy of its south-of-the-border sashay, as aided and abetted by Nathan’s brother Jonathan, who contributes mandolin. All in all, an excellent EP. (nathanmceuen.com)
The Successful Failures – “Enemy Sublime”
The Successful Failures were formed by Mick Chorba, formerly at the helm of a band called Dipsomaniacs. In 1998, Chorba had released the solo song “Hick Bars” on a compilation CD using the name “Successful Failures,” a moniker appropriated from a Jack London short story. That same name was then resurrected eight years later when Chorba opted to form his new group. Although based in New Jersey, the band owes their origins, at least in part, to East Tennessee. Early on, the band camped out in Knoxville to record with Superdrag drummer and producer Don Coffey at Independent Recorders. They have also made numerous local appearances in recent years. Along the way they’ve made their mark with an astute blend of power pop and roots rock, with the common connection being their clear, concise melodies and knack for creating utterly infectious hooks and riveting refrains that grab hold and refuse to let go. Their most recent album offers any number of examples, chief among them “Worried All the Time,” “Alone in Texas,” “Love You Although,” “Costume Party,” “Face the Faceless” and “Thank You Goodnight.” Chorba is an exceptional songwriter in the traction of Lennon and McCartney, Ray Davies of the Kinks and others on the front lines of the mid-‘60s British Invasion. Yup, he is that good. (www.successfulfailures.com)
Lemon Drop Hammer – “Secret Monkey Weekend”
There’s something to be said for the old adage that the family that plays together stays together. For the foreseeable future, at least, and the immediate past, that seems to apply to Lemon Drop Hammer, a trio comprising guitarist/vocalist Jefferson Hart and his stepdaughters Ella (bass/vocals) and Lila Brown-Hart (drums/vocals), both of whom were reared on rock ‘n’ roll early on when their late father Matt shared stage time with Grant Hart, late of Hüsker Dü. The backstory is so compelling that it became the subject of an Emmy-winning 2023 PBS documentary, “Secret Monkey Weekend,” which also is the name of the group’s sophomore set. With North Carolina’s resident power-pop maestro Don Dixon once again at the helm, the trio have made a rocking, robust effort that’s heavy on hooks, rife with absolutely infectious melodies and flush with an irrepressible attitude. Think of the Bangles and the Go-Go’s if you are in need of a comparison. “So Much Fun,” “We Can Be Friends,” “Things You Threw Away,” “Walking Between Raindrops” and “Way Way Out” all testify to the effusive energy implied in the song titles, while eponymous track “Lemon Drop Hammer” is well-suited as their signature song. Consider this family fun with an utterly infectious essence. (secretmonkeyweekend.com)
Idaho – “LAPSE”
Idaho first formed in Los Angeles in 1992 and quickly gained a foothold in the slowcore scene which was gaining popularity around that time. Eleven albums, several EPs and a handful of compilations later, the band – currently comprising founder Jeff Martin, Robert Fronzo and Jeff Zimmitti – still stay true to that otherwise unassuming sound, a series of generally mellow and melancholic melodies that are unblemished and unhurried to a great degree. Their latest album stays true to that template, as well, with songs such as “Kamikaze,” “On Fire,” Heat Seek” and “Heaven on Earth” flush with dreamy desire and a seductive sway. However, the chill is disengaged about midway through when “Somehow” takes a psychedelic turn before the rest of the album goes into a cosmic uplift, eroding any chance of predictability. The album takes on added interest as a result, making repeated listens all the more needed. The idea of a cursory listen, suggested early on, is eventually dispelled in favor of greater returns on investment. Intrigue accompanies Idaho, a rare example of a band that gently lures their listeners and leaves them a bit baffled by the end. (www.idahoband.com)
Firefall – “Friends & Family 2”
Some might consider Firefall’s new little more than a mashup of classic covers of an earlier era, and indeed they could hardly be blamed for holding that opinion. On the other hand, the band itself is a product of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, having spawned from the later stages of The Flying Burrito Brothers, which itself was an outgrowth of the Byrds and the Southern California sound typified by the bands that populated LA’s Sunset Strip and the hip and happening scene that grew up around it. Some 50-plus years from their original incarnation, vocalist and guitarist Jock Bartley continues to keep Firefall’s flame burning, and in so doing, maintains the embers of nostalgia. The songs will be readily familiar to anyone who listened intently to the radio back in the day, and indeed the hit parade is well represented. The choices may seem somewhat obvious, especially since they tend to rely on the same sources as the first “Friends & Family” offering. Here they revisit such standbys as “Love the One You’re With,” “Go Your Own Way,” “So You Want to Be a Rock ’N’ Roll Star,” “I Need You” and “Cool Change” by Stephen Stills, Fleetwood Mac, the Byrds, America and Little Band, respectively. Given that the group’s interpretations differ little from the originals, it’s no less than a welcome return. (firefallofficial.com)
Paul Brady – “The Archive”
Brady may be the greatest singer-songwriter the majority of Americans have never heard of. However, those of us that reside in East Tennessee and consider Ireland an ancestral home ought to recognize that Brady is one of the Emerald Isle’s favorite songsmiths. He has won lifetime achievement awards from both the Irish Recorded Music Association and the BBC. He was inducted into the British Composers and Songwriters Academy in 2004 and the (Irish) IMRO Songwriters Academy in 2013. He was further honored by the president of Ireland with a lifetime achievement award in 2015. His international acclaim is affirmed by the fact that his songs have been covered by an esteemed list of artists, among them Tina Turner, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Art Garfunkel, Cher, Cliff Richard, Phil Collins, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton to name but a few. Although his origins are in the folk world (he got his start playing in traditional ensembles), he’s found contemporary credence through tours with Clapton and Dire Straits. Consequently, for those unawares, there’s a lot of catching up to do. “The Archive” ought to make it easy, although, for the most part, the four-CD set is made up of unreleased recordings from his home studio, concert performances and radio/TV broadcasts, all in addition to collaborations with other artists. The package is encased in a square hardback book format with over 70 pages of images and archival information. Completists ought to consider it absolutely essential, but newcomers might find it just as enticing. (paulbrady.com)
lee@blanknews.com
