Turnstyled: 10/17-10/24

Music we find and like each week

 

Album: No Law Against Talking by Some Velvet Evening

The sweet and carefree harmonies of Some Velvet Evening are a bit like a twangier, boy/girl version of Simon and Garfunkel.  With a kitschy album cover that conjures up images of early Country Rock super-group, The Nashville Country Jamboree, No Law Against Talking leads to no disappointment in expectations.  The soft and subtle old-timey arrangements from this Ferndale, Michigan duo, are like a pleasant trip back to a childhood spent watching Hee-Haw and singing cowboys.  It’s a good enough blend of clever indie folk, pop and old-school country to earn our respect. And it’s always nice to see a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Sounds Like: Simon and Garfunkel, Hank Williams, Early Country Rock, Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins

Standout tracks:  “Shooting the Breeze,” “One Night of Sin”

Website: http://www.somevelvetevening.com

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Album: Work and Days by The Hit and Miss Engines

The Hit and Miss Engine’s Work and Days, is an album that doesn’t fit into just one genre.  Rather, it’s quality music that is everything from Hank Williams (“Leave Me Alone), to early alt-country (Bottle Rockets come to mind) to the finer moments of late 90’s indie folk-rock artists like Belle and Sebastian, Smog or Catpower. This album was definitely a nice find from a band all the way back east in Johnstown, PA. It’s  the right mix of subtle production and gentle harmonies without overdoing it.  “The Devil You Don’t” is a solid track that just might be memorable enough to wind up on future Americana playlists.

Standout Tracks: “The Devil You Don’t,”  “Leave Me Alone”

Sounds Like: Indie Rock, Early 90s twang, The Low Anthem

Website: http://www.myspace.com/hitandmissengines

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EP: “Successful Friends” by The Sudden Passion

It’s always nice to come across something new and decent here in LA.  The duo of Midwest natives, Shane Mongeau and Bradley Palermo, offer up a solid EP from the Sin City. “Walk of Shame” is a bit Steve Earle and the title track, “Successful Friends” is like a twangy throwback to the Kinks LA commentary, “Sitting in My Hotel.”

Standout Tracks: “Walk of Shame”

Sounds Like: American Analog Set meets Outlaw Country

Website: http://thesuddenpassion.com/