A trio of titles from Texas artists are featured in my column this week.
Title: Nobody's Girl (Lucky Hound Music)
You might like if you enjoy: The Corrs, First Aid Kit
Tell me more: The self-titled full-length debut from trio Nobody's Girl is a stellar album drawing on the Austin, Texas-based threesome's strengths; deeply-affecting songcraft, incredible singing, top-tier musicianship from a talented pool of session players and the work of Grammy-winning producer Michael Ramos. Singer-songwriters BettySoo, Grace Pettis and Rebecca Loebe released their promising EP Waterline in 2018, but the new 11-track disc is even more impressive in its expansive showcase of the trio's powers. Sonically Nobody's Girl somehow blend authentic Americana folk with shimmering pop; the lyrics tap into the world around them with a genuineness equal to the genre-defying musical mix. The enthralling "Wizard of Oz"-inspired "Kansas," melodious "Rescued," euphonic "Promised Land," lavish "Waterline," haunting "Birthright" and emotive version of Carole King's "So Far Away" are among the riches to be found on the album. Nobody's Girl is available on Friday, July 30, 2021. Information: WeAreNobodysGirl.com.
Title: Home (Big Stir Records / SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty, Fountains of Wayne, Badfinger, Michael Gurley
Tell me more: In the wake of their recently-announced partnership, Big Stir Records and Spyderpop Records have issued singer-songwriter Lannie Flowers' brilliant album Home via digital, deluxe double-LP vinyl and audio CD. The third of the Texas-based artist's song cycles (following 2008's Same Old Story aimed at teenage romance and 2011's Circles that taps into a musician's life on the road), Home is a deeply affecting exploration of an aging rocker reflecting on his life after leaving the touring life behind. Widely hailed as a leader on the contemporary power pop scene, Flowers' material on "Home" exudes a wider reach with indie and classic rock flourish too. The songs are poetic and literate, and there is a large and sumptuous soundscape that fortifies the power of the 14 tracks on the LP. Flowers has a particularly fine singing voice able to deliver rockers and ballads with aplomb, self-assurance and style. "Just Go To Sleep" is tuneful to be sure, but the air of melancholy is fully in tune with Flowers' confessions: " Wish I could turn off my mind and leave the world behind / 'cause lying here I can't seem to find an answer to it all." The Americana-tinged "Free To Dream," gentle confessional "I Got A Secret," panoramic Shine a Light," striking "TV Off" and sorrowful "He's Going Home" are among this writer's other faves on the marvelous album. Although it was originally released in late 2019, "Home" (released anew on July 23, 2021) will hopefully receive more widespread attention in a post-pandemic world. Information: BigStirRecords.com and LannieFlowers.com.
Title: ¡LA Baby! (Ben Reddell )
You might like if you enjoy: Shooter Jennings, Kiefer Sutherland, Old 97's
Tell me more: A native of Bryan, Texas, Americana singer-songwriter-guitarist Ben Reddell grew up in Kerrville, Texas before heading west to Los Angeles where he has forged a reputation in the burgeoning Los Angeles roots music scene. Fans of roots rock and alt-country will want to listen to his wonderful new 6-track EP ¡LA Baby! out now. There is a palpable sense of fun displayed by the Ben Reddell Band on every track. The driving, super-catchy opener "My Baby," rowdy rocker "Cocaine" and breezy country-western ballad "Tumbleweed" open the stellar disc. The great music making continues via the Cajun-tinged romp "Love Her & You Need Her" (featuring some killer accordion playing from Jeremy Long), heartbreaking ballad "12 Bar Blues" and Tex-Mex nugget "Good Thing" that close out the fast-moving EP. A recommended bonus track titled "Hey" can also be heard on the troupe's official website. Information: benreddellband.com.
Robert Kinsler
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