CD Reviews
CD REVIEWS
By William Shea
Lisa Hunter • Flying • Hand Clapping Records
Local acoustic folk singer Lisa Hunter's latest full-length CD, Flying, is a worthy follow-up to her premiere recording, Solid Ground. Containing twelve "soul-searching at 2 a.m.," "angry chick ranting," and "angry chick with a mission," songs, this work is definitely a keeper.
All of Hunter's songs are public, yet totally personal. Because Hunter annotates each song telling us her disposition when the work was created, one might get the impression that the lyrics dominate and that the tunes might be too introspective to be entirely accessible. This is not the case. The strength of this work is that Hunter's music (and the musicianship of the backup ensemble) is as compelling as her lyrics. Four tunes excellently combine her personal lyrical style - full of intimate recollections and points of view - and very catchy melodies: "Underground," "Blue," the first rate "Nowhere Fast," and "Water Under the Bridge."
Besides her somewhat quirky lyrical sensitivity, the music on each of these tunes compels one to listen further. For instance, the sitar-esque guitar work of Brian Lillie and the tamboura playing by Bob Wojahn on "Underground" give the lyrics an almost eastern/western mix. Similarly "Blue" is filled with clever word play, an unusual poetic meter set off by some good hard rocking music. "Nowhere Fast," the only dance tune on the recording, frames the lyrics in fast, strong driving drumming and nifty guitar work. "Water" is a fine country tune strong enough to fit any New Country radio station playlist - a good two-step rhythm, excellent dobro by Jeff Plankenhorn, and unusually sophisticated ballad lyrics. Like all exceptional "songwriters," Hunter knows how to combine a personal point of view with catchy pop melodies resulting in a recording that can stand repeated listening. Pick up this recording today.
Jim Akans • Coaster • Pollution Distribution
Another extraordinary Ann Arbor songsmith is Jim Akans. His latest recording, Coaster, is dynamite. Winner of a Certificate of Achievement for 1998 from Billboard Magazine's Song Contest for the tune "Tempted," there are a number of songs on this consistently strong recording that could warrant other awards, specifically "Original View," and "Rain All Night."
Akans' strength on this recording lies with his command of the lyrics and the sharp production work of Jade Scott. While Akans uses internal rhymes, arching phrases and clever imagery to place the listener clearly in the realm he wants to create, Scott's production of Akans' acoustic guitar work (and an occasional electric riff) punctuates rather than dominates, so the lyrics drive the tunes rather than merely setting soundscapes and impressions. The combination of precise, clear lyrics and rather sophisticated production make this a refreshing pop recording. Besides the catchy opener "Original View" the slow haunting sound of "Tempted," with its exceptional image that temptation actually smiles is... ironic, funny, right on. One of the neatest tunes on the recording is "Legend." Scott purposely opens the tune with the sound of an old scratchy 45-rpm recording. Akans' voice is severely compressed as he sings about some ubiquitous small town over a grungy guitar line. The images from all these different sensory inputs are wonderful and a treat to listen to. Coaster is an exceptional work able to withstand many listens.
Steve Lucky • Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums • Rumpus Records
During the '80s and early '90s, The Blue Front Persuaders were one of the hottest bar bands in town. Fronted by Steve Wethy on boogie-woogie, hard bomping piano, these five, six, sometimes seven musicians played everything from jump-blues to soulful, belly-rubbing grinds. There often was so much action on the stage that all one could do was watch in wonder.
Sometime in the early '90s Wethy moved out west and changed his moniker to "Steve Lucky." Now from Rumpus Records out of Emeryville, CA comes a glorious CD entitled Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums. This rollicking hoot of an album is to a large extent the BF Persuaders all over again.
The musical lineup for the Rhumba Bums is almost identical to the Persuaders: guitars, pounding piano, and wailing saxes. There is one positive addition: Miss Carmen Getit. This gal is usically where it's at. Not only does she wail, she picks up a mean T-bone Walker guitar line and even co-produces this disc. Her singing drives me crazy on the hot tune "Rumpus Room Honeymoon" - sexy, sweet, and sweaty. She is (and they are) never better than on Hadda Brooks' classic "Jump Back." Listening to this top-shelf recording one can hardly sit still. Run out and pick up this great boogie, "squirm music" recording now!
Lucinda Williams • Car Wheels on a Gravel Road • Mercury
At this three-quarter mark of the year one of the best national recordings so far is the wonderful Car Wheels on a Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams. The title of this recording should tell you something about Williams: She sure can turn a phrase and has a sensitivity that is full of bone-chilling humor.
There is not a bad cut on this 13-song CD. Williams' strength is how she mixes folk, country and rock with very personal imagery to form songs that are interesting, funny and captivating; songs that her peers want to cover. "Drunken Angel" is a heart-felt lament about the trouble one is bound to run into with a... "drunken angel. "Concrete and Barbed Wire" mixes these two metaphors perfectly - the city and the country. The best line on this glorious recording is on the perfect tune "Joy." Williams reiterates over and over "You took by joy/and I want it back." On one hand it's a rather foolish idea, but on second thought one that we've all probably had at one time.
It has been six years since Williams released her last recording. If her material stays this good (and based on this and her previous work there is little reason to think it won't) she needs to get more material out now; we need her to. This is a first-rate record.
Two Musical Warnings:
The unforgettable One Fell Swoop will be at The Gypsy Cafe on September 11. Lead singer Cheryl Striker is one of the best singers to hit this area in a long, long time. Catch this exceptional group if you can. Similarly, the brilliant Vancouver artist, Stephen Fearing, will be at The Ark on September 10. His latest Red House recording Industrial Lullaby moves convincingly away from his early Celtic roots. His music is complex, telling, mature and a bit edgy. Catch him at this small venue. Next time you won't be able to!
Comments? Questions?
Tapes, CDs, etc., may be sent to:
AGENDA,
220 S. Main St.,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104