By Brian Rock
Jenny Don’t and The Spurs put a fresh spin on heartache on their latest (4th) album, Broken Hearted Blue. Jenny Don’t’s fiery vocals and the bands musical synergy create an album about heartbreak that’s more fun than seeing your ex get dumped by their new lover.
The title song combines classic country & western elements with a driving surf rock beat to create a heart break song that makes you want to dance for joy. Jenny Don’t coos, “Handsome stranger, touch of danger; you’re someone new. You caught my eye I cannot lie, I wanted you.” But subtle spaghetti western riffs offer a sense of foreboding as Don’t resists her urges, pleading, “I don’t want to fall in love with you.” The haunting chorus plays like Chris Isaak’s, “Wicked Game” played at 78 rpm. The rapid fie drums, the fuzzed out guitars, and the nebulous lyrics create a sense of excitement, danger and expectation. Fulfillment or destruction lie right around the corner and you’re racing there full speed with no brakes.
Jenny Don’t’s alluring vocals make this, and all the songs on the album, pop with emotional intensity. Half Patsy Cline and half Sarah Shook, Don’t exudes confident elegance and dangerous despair in equal measure. “Flyin’ High,” captures the raucous energy of The Waco Brothers as Don’t bemoans a relationship’s slow decay from spring bloom to winter desolation. “Pain In My Heart,” adds a rollicking Bakersfield sound as Don’t and company continue to dance away their tears. “Jealous Heart,” evokes the wall of sound vibe of the early sixties as Don’t transforms herself into a countrified Ronnie Spector. “My Baby’s Gone,” captures the irresistible groove of Bo Diddley at his most dangerous. “One More Night,” and “You’re What I Need,” are classic country two steppers. The former packs the sass of Tanya Tucker, the latter exudes the sensuality of Jaime Wyatt. Slowing down a touch, the band delivers a traditional county ballad in, “Unlucky Love,” as Don’t’s inner Patsy Cline comes to the fore.
Ending the album with a eulogy to their recently deceased drummer, Sam Henry; the band shares their grief on, “Bones In the Sand.” Saluting his legacy, Jenny Don’t sings, “Gotta keep the beat even when it hurts,” as the band plays a spaghetti western style dirge. Ending the song with a recurring chorus of, “I’ve got a fire that burns in me,” the phrase is a fitting tribute to their late band mate as well as a fitting description of their high intensity musical style. Feeling bad never sounded so good!
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Brian Rock
