By Brian Rock
Tis the season to deck the halls and don our gay apparel! For those of us running late with our “Yule tide treasures,” here are a few last-minute gift ideas to make the music lover on your list “strike the harp and join the chorus.”
Folk
Drew Pulliam: Back of my Mind
An impressive full-length debut. Pulliam brings an emotional intensity that is so often absent in Folk music. From the yearning, “Samson’s Song,” and “Verona,” to the Chamber Folk of, “Roses,” and “Pristine Girl,’ to the anthemic, ‘Toe Tappin’” and “Kickback Kind;” Pulliam breathes life and energy into every note. Like his fellow Folk namesake, Drew Holcomb; Drew Pulliam brings depth and texture to every song.
Fa La La Lead Single: “Back of my Mind”
An intense, impassioned cry of despair for a lost love. Pulliam alternates between tenor and falsetto to highlight the heightened emotions of grief and loss that torment him on, “nights when I’m startled by this old empty room.” Like Poe’s The Raven, this song perfectly conveys what it’s like to be haunted by a love that will never return.
drewpulliam.com | fb | buy
Indie Country
Brother and The Hayes: In Good Company
Brother and sister duo David Bingaman and Jennie Hayes mix americana, honky-tonk, Texas troubadour and a touch of jazz to create a distinctive sound that’s as bold and brash as their native Texas. They capture “Texas Cookin’” era Guy Clark on, “Quachita Wind.” The duo recalls Linda Ronstadt’s “Silk Purse” years on, “Nashville Traffic.” “Drinking on Monday,” echoes Tanya Tucker at her most playful. “I Know Why and So Do You,” is reminiscent of the classic jazz standards of the forties, complete with clarinet and Hawaiian slide guitar. Deft, diverse, and delightful; Brother and The Hayes impress on every track.
Fa La La Lead Single: “Durango”
A honky-tonk road-blues that finds a silver lining in a roadside dive bar just outside of Durango. ragtime piano and soulful saxophone elevate the typical road weary lament into a celebration of life’s little surprises that can only be found on the road.
brotherandthehayes.com | fb | buy
Rock
Jason Heath and the Greedy Souls: Earth, Fire, Water, and Airborne
Taking a time trip back to the 90’s, Jason Heath and the Greedy Souls evoke the grunge of Pearl Jam, the inspirational rock of U2, the heartland rhythms of Bruce Springsteen with a healthy dose of DIY attitude. Standouts include the uplifting, “Here Comes Love (She Don’t Wait,) the heartland rocker, “Can’t Get You Outta My Head,” the tender, “The Night The Sun Burned Out,” and the snarling, “Children, Chains and Razorwire.”
Fa La La Lead Single: “6 More Miles”
Capturing the energy of 90’s party rockers, NRBQ; Heath and company deliver a piano pounding rocker that celebrates the giddy expectations leading up to a concert by your favorite band.
jasonheathandthegreedysouls.com | fb | buy
Traditional Country
Various Artists: “It’s All Her Fault: A Tribute To Cindy Walker”
An all-star tribute to a woman whose influence extends far beyond her fame. Songs like, “You Don’t Know Me,” “Dream Baby,” “You’re From Texas,” and “I Don’t Care,” are given reverent renditions by Melissa Carper, Amythyst Kiah, Rosie Flores, Summer Dean, Mandy Barnett and a host of other wonder women of country. One of the unsung architects of Western Swing, Cindy Walker finally gets the recognition she deserves on this tribute album.
Fa La La Lead Single: “You’re From Texas”
Katie Shore recreates the rhythmic feel of the Bob Wills original. Shore’s vocals add a sultry undertone to this anthem of Lone Star pride.
Christmas
Melissa Carper: A Very Carper Christmas
The incomparable Melissa Carper spreads Christmas cheer as only she can. Her country/jazz fusion brings nostalgia and elegance to the holidays with 13 new yuletide carols and two classic covers. She kindles the holiday spirit on the festive, “Plug in the Tree.” She recalls memories of Christmas past on, “Christmas Memories,” and “Made With Love.” She brings her trademark humor to, “Dumpster Divin’ on Christmas Eve,” “Cats in the Christmas Tree,” and “Oh Cheeseball.” She sings the Christmas blues on, “The Day After Christmas,” and her cover of “Please Come Home for Christmas.” She shares an intimate mistletoe moment on, “Sit By A Fire With You.” She sings a poignant hymn of our shared humanity on the tender, “Just One Stocking.” Melissa Carper truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Fa La La Lead Single: “Cruisin’ in Santa’s Sleigh”
A soul infused celebration of Santa’s big night. Funky guitar riffs and a jubilant horn section provide holiday cheer for the ear as Carper croons about the joys of hitching a ride on a festive cross planet road trip.
melissacarper.com | fb | buy
Brian Rock
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