STACK #141 Jul 2016

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Róisín Murphy Take Her Up To Monto

Tracy McNeil & The GoodLife Thieves Tracy McNeil doesn’t make

Plenty of people have argued that talking about music is like dancing about architecture. Not many people have decided to make dance music about architecture. But that's exactly what Róisín Murphy, the iconic Irish singer-songwriter and longtime leader of the electronic pop avant garde, has achieved here. Take Her Up To Monto might reference the classic folk song popularised by her father's band The Dubliners back in the '50s, but the new record is more interested in contemporary London life. In Róisín's words: "It's a lot about architecture, it's about building and the future coming, it's about here!" The music is constructed on technologically- advanced pop foundations, taut and thoughtful synths, and controlled by

Peter Garrett A Version Of Now It’s a hell of a story: Lead singer of one of our biggest bands quits to pursue a political career. He gets embroiled in one of the nastiest leadership battles in history and his opponents constantly throw old lyrics at him, accusing him of hypocrisy and selling out, all as he claims to not miss his

three-minute pop songs; as she sings on her fourth album, “We took the long way.” Six of the 10 tracks clock in at more than five minutes, with producer Shane O’Mara allowing them to stretch out, showcasing the dexterous guitar-playing of Dan Parsons and McNeil’s husband, Raised By Eagles’ Luke Sinclair. But these songs are also filled with hooks and harmonies that will keep you warm on a winter’s night. “The heat of the summer is never made to stay,” McNeil sings in Ashes , a tribute to her father and the centrepiece of a beautiful record filled with moving meditations on family and friends. (SlipRail Records/MGM) Jeff Jenkins

musical life. That’s the only lie Peter Garrett told, because there’s no hiding the joy in his voice on this comeback record, his first solo album. “I’m back,” he declares in opening track, Tall Trees . “I’m coming ’round for a second look.” With no regrets: “I saw the best of men and I saw the worst,” he reports in I’d Do It Again . “I got my hands dirty, I had a go.” You’d forgive Garrett if he were battered and bruised and bitter. But there are no recriminations. He remains a beautiful dreamer in a minefield. “The sound of the times is the sigh of indifference,” he laments. “Dreams are broken, mended and they scatter.” Older, wiser, but still a believer – and still capable of delivering Aussie anthems with ripper, real words ringing in your ears. “It still matters to me,” Garrett sings. “I hope it matters to you.” (Sony) Jeff Jenkins

Róisín's powerful vocals. (PIAS) SimonWinkler

MUSIC

Various Alligator Records 45th Anniversary Collection In 1971 in Chicago, 24-year- old blues tragic Bruce Iglauer launched his fledgling record label, Alligator Records, with an album by a virtually unknown band he'd discovered playing unbridled, rhythmic, raucous blues in local bars: Hound Dog Taylor &The Houserockers. Forty-five years later, Alligator Records – now the largest independent blues label in the world with a catalogue of more than 300 albums – is releasing a 2CD anniversary collection with tracks from newer acts and legendary artists such as Albert Collins, Mavis Staples, Johnny Winter, Son Seals, and Charlie Musselwhite. An essential release for blues fans. (Only Blues) Billy Pinnell

Liz Stringer All The Bridges

Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle Colvin & Earle When two Grammy Award- winning singer-songwriters like Steve Earle and Shawn Colvin get together it can only be great. After completing the sold-out tour 'Songs & Stories, Together Onstage' in 2014, Earle proposed an album recording – and here it is, bringing the magic of their live collaboration to record. Theirs is a special connection of old friends sharing vocals on a handful of covers ( Tobacco Road , Ruby Tuesday ) and six new co-written originals, on which the sweet of Colvin and gruff of Earle work too well. Recorded by the one and only Buddy Miller in his Nashville home studio, this is country blues and folk of effortless sincerity. (Universal) Denise Hylands

Jeff Beck Loud Hailer

Liz Stringer is like a well-kept secret. Those in the know are aware that she’s a world-class singer and songwriter; for the rest of the world she remains a mystery. That might change with her fifth album, which she recorded in Portland, Oregon with producer Adam Selzer. Then again, Stringer seems content making quality records without the fame, singing: “Ain’t nothing wrong with a half-filled cup.” With her smoky, soulful vocal, you can rely on Stringer to supply songs that hit you right in the heart. Indeed, a standout track here is called Keep Keeping On . “I’m in love with you,” Stringer sings, “and there’s

Acclaimed guitarist Jeff Beck steps out of his comfort zone with the release of his first new album in six years. Frustrated at not being able to verbalise his opinions on the world issues he felt strongly about, Beck recruited singer Rosie Bones (who lends her voice to nine of the 11 songs) and guitarist Carmen Vandenburg of the London band Bones to write these tracks and their lyrics with him. Titles such as the intense The Revolution Will Be Televised , and the reflective ballad Scared For The Children , needed to be sung. The album is rounded out by two signature Beck instrumentals. (Warner) Billy Pinnell

nothing that I can do.” (Vitamin) Jeff Jenkins

JULY 2016

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