STACK #167 Sept 2018

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Skegss My Own Mess It’s been five years coming, but Byron Bay chillers Skegss have finally got around to releasing their 15-track debut album. Much like the leisurely vibe given off by the town they come from, My Own Mess is full of

Plain White T's Parallel Universe You might remember Plain White T’s for 2007’s cutesiest love song, but put it behind you, because these Illinois boys have finally found their libidos. This is the sexiest and sultriest throwdown since Sylvester’s Do You Wanna Funk (or at least 3Oh!3’s My First Kiss .) Take second track Bonnie , where lead singer Tom Higgenson pines for the titular girl as she

goes searching for drugs in a topless daze, scored by quasi-reggae bomp. The production of Parallel Universe rivals even Pharrell's CV; there’s the homage to Justin Bieber’s Sorry on Call Me , the glitched-out party rock anthem I Should Be Dead , and the fearless Top Of The World which smashes '70s guitars into a burbling drum machine, with Higgenson shouting, “She’s such a b-tch but she thinks I’m funny!” On Bury Me they go country-EDM, perhaps paying tribute to recently deceased icon Avicii. On album closer End Of The World , Higgenson sings “I found Jesus the other day / He was eating hamburgers in a Chevrolet” – a biting commentary on religious capitalism and American excess. In a parallel universe, Plain White T’s would be remembered as fondly as Hinder, Simple Plan, and the Ying Yang Twins as formative romantics of the '00s. But given this record’s unapologetic sexual energy and inventive production, they could go down as this decade’s David Guetta. ( Fearless/Caroline) Chase Steadman

nonchalant basslines, noodly riffs and lo-fi fuzz. However, songs scratch deeper than you might expect: Up In The Cloud is a reminder of life’s uncertainties, Smogged Out a cry of homesickness, and Testing a coming-of-age story. And that’s exactly what this album is: a coming-of-age. The fuzzed-up trio locked themselves away and have recorded a considered and balanced debut LP. Sure, they have songs about dutch courage ( Margarita ), reckless abandon ( Stop ) and even the blight of the ATM withdrawal charge ( Transaction Fee ), but I can’t help but get the impression Skegss actually do have their sh-t together – at least more than they lead us to believe. (Warner)Tim Lambert

Dawn Landes Meet At The River

Geoff Achison Sovereign Town In the blues/rock field, guitarist/ singer/songwriter/bandleader Geoff Achison sits comfortably among the world's best. Known for his high energy recordings and live performances with The Souldiggers, Geoff's new release, his first solo project, turns out to be a semi-acoustic, deeply personal collection of songs inspired by memories of growing up around the Victorian goldfields in Malmsbury. Recorded in nearby Ballarat with local musicians who supply double bass, drums, Hammond organ and backing vocals, Geoff has created cinematic tales of what it might have been like in the day when men dug holes and tunnels hoping to strike it rich. Following in the steps of Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, Geoff has created some of his finest work extolled in the stripped-down

Candi Staton Unstoppable The current political climate in the US continues to inspire recording artists to speak out against prevailing social injustices. Legendary American soul singer Candi Staton, best known for her 1976 hit Young Hearts Run Free , first experienced heartless policy-making as a teenager touring the gospel circuit in the '50s with Mahalia Jackson. The songs on the 78-year-old's fourth album in 10 years, appropriately Lowe's (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding , a funky arrangement of Patti Smith's People Have The Power , and original songs with a similar message: Revolution Of Change , Stand Up And Be Counted . (CookingVinyl) Billy Pinnell title Unstoppable , include a gospelised version of Nick

Jim Lauderdale & Roland White Jim Lauderdale & Roland White In the summer of 1979, a young Jim Lauderdale arrived in Nashville, and soon after struck up a friendship with already legendary bluegrass musician Roland White. They recorded an album of classic bluegrass songs in the basement of Earl and Louise Scruggs’ with a selection of local musicians. It never did get released and was lost for nearly 40 years, until recently when the masters were discovered by White’s wife in the bottom of a box. Sounding as lively and brilliant as all those years ago, this album highlights the flair of White and the incredible talent that Lauderdale was to become. Lauderdale’s first album ever recorded, released as his 31st. (Yep Roc/Redeye) Denise Hylands

Dawn Landes' fifth album is her self-described “Nashville record.” She's highlighted that fact by coercing Country Music Hall of Fame member and iconic producer Fred Foster (Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard) out of retirement to provide direction. Spending sessions together listening, discussing and fine-tuning Landes songs, Foster also provided her with an education in country songwriting and the songs of Jimmy Driftwood (of which she does two). Add to that an A-team of Nashville musicians, and this is an album that illuminates Landes' honey-toned vocals partnered with an authentic country ease. Without doubt, one of my fave albums of the year. (Yep Roc/Redeye) Denise Hylands

songcraft of Sovereign Town . (Only Blues) Billy Pinnell

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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