MIKE + RUTHY: THE NYC EP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MIKE + RUTHY: THE NYC EP
By Ben Reddell, Staff Writer

This month marked the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie, the patriarch of Folk songwriting.   You could almost hear as a chorus of coffee shop performers across the country paying  homage to him with strumming guitars and plucking banjos. This land was made for you and me indeed. But unlike mere imitation, Mike + Ruth have released an EP around a piece of Guthrie lyrics from the late 40’s, “My New York City.”  They did not reinvent the wheel by doing so, Wilco and Billy Bragg did a full record of Guthrie interpretations almost 15 years ago with Mermaid Avenue. Yet, the genius of ” My New York City“ lies in how these two married New York folkies approached it.  The arrangement and melody evoke early Roches, and Fairport Convention.  The two seem to be born to sing with one another.  They  seem to be cousins to “Dust Bowl Revival” enthusiasts, but they bring a audiophiles intelligence to the table.  Yes, they might wear gingum and suspenders, but they do it so much better than the rest. The rest of the EP has a beautiful starkness, yet when they want to rock out like on “Toast My Memory” electric guitar and drums fir right in and don’t feel alien.  “On My Way,” a song of loosing salvation and faith,  The two tear it up with down home bluegrass swagger.  “Raise Your Glasses High” has an anthem vibe,  and at the same time would fit in with Neil Young’s “Harvest.”  All and all, the record leaves listeners wanting more and is a reason to look forward to seeing what this quirky couple comes out with next.

Listen to “My New York City” by Mike + Ruthy

For more information on Mike + Ruthy visit:  http://mikeandruthy.com/