Lee’s Listening Stack: Another Lucky Seven Reviews for Mid-October

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Please Return the Evening: The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies Salute the Music of the Rat Pack
(Space Age Bachelor Pad Records)

Somewhat of a surprise, The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies latest opus, Please Return the Evening: The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies Salute the Music of the Rat Pack, taps into a tradition established by three of the hippest singers of all time, unique personalities that helped patent the concept of cool — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. When they worked in tandem as the legendary Rat Pack, Sinatra, Martin and Davis found in themselves the perfect combination – one that fused sheer swagger with an easy, amiable style. That approach helped define the cultural undercurrents of that critical period from the late ‘50s to the early ‘60s, while captivating and entertaining audiences in the process. To that end, Please Return the Evening offers up a superb set of standards that have come to epitomize the Rat Pack’s repertoire – songs that look upward with the singular optimism that energized America at the dawn of the ‘60s. The song titles sum that spirit up succinctly – “The Best Is Yet To Come,” Come Fly With Me,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Mister Success,” “That’s Life” and “Luck Be A Lady” among them – making for the epitome of a verve and vibe that’s never quite been equalled since. (www.daddies.com)

Kat Edmonson
The Big Picture
(Sony Masterworks)

Kat Edmonson’s tinny vocals can sound deceptive, offering an initial impression that she’s a fragile little waif too timid to step in front of a microphone. Yet nothing could be further from the truth, especially given the sturdy arrangements of producer Michael Froom and a selection of songs that would be equally well suited to the likes of Eartha Kitt or Sarah Vaughn when each was in their prime. Edmonson makes an ideal chanteuse — sexy, seductive and possessing an obvious ability to wrap herself around a melody and never let ago. “You Said Enough,” “Crying” and “Oh My Love” are two of the more obvious examples; buoyed by supple strings and a brassy template, she delivers the material with a clear command and singular style. When the tempo accelerates, as on the driving “Avion,” Edmonson leaves no doubt as to her intents, that is, to stake out the sentiments and leave the listener with an indelible impression. (Kateedmonson.com)

Wild Party
Phantom Pop
(Old Friends Records)

There seems to be an infusion of new excitement and exhilaration in pop music these days, a catchiness and cache that that keeps it cheery, charming and irresistibly infectious. Foster the People and Fun. helped spearhead this recent wave of power pop practitioners, inspiring the masses and winning their way onto the charts in the process. Now it’s time to welcome Wild Party and their album Phantom Pop, a collection of sunny, swooning melodies that grab hold right from the get-go. Songs like “When I Get Older,” “Life’s Too Short” and “Crashin’ Honey” offer enthusiasm and irreverence in equal measure, a youthful vitality that captures an essential pop appeal which goes way beyond the typical guilty pleasure. Simply stated, Phantom Pop is a wonderfully refreshing sonic experience, a mood elevator that could be served up at any party or gathering, whether it’s wild or otherwise. (www.wildpartyofficial.com)

Matt Turk
Cold Revival
(Big Kid Records/Turktunes)

Matt Turk takes a low key approach to his craft, expressing his sentiment through his yearning singing rather than any oversized arrangements. That allows Cold Revival to come across with a strong sweep of sentiment, be it in the arched defiance of “Cracked Egg” or the reggae lilt of the song that follows, “When a Boy.” The instrumentation tends to be delicate and well-paced, never obtrusive, but instead, aptly servicing Turk’s supple melodies. Turk takes an unhurried approach to his songs, which allows the pace to scamper along or simply glide delicately and deliberately, depending on the intent. In that sense, the title track tends to establish the most emphatic imprint here; with an assured vocal laid out over the gentle pluck of guitar and mandolin, Turk establishes a mood of dark deliberation framed against a setting of less than sinister circumstance. When he finally lets go, as on the triumphant “Say You’ll Live” or the sublime yet celebratory “Illana Donna,”  the exhilaration is  all too palpable. A well crafted, thoroughly original offering, Cold Revival is nothing less than a revelation.  (www.turktunes.com) 

Ellis Paul
Chasing Beauty
(Black Wolf Records)

Although some refer to Ellis Paul as simply a folksinger, he is more — for lack of a better word — a singular storyteller, a musician whose words reach out from inside while also expressing the feelings, thoughts and sensibilities that most people can relate to, regardless of age or upbringing. No wonder then that Paul’s new album, Chasing Beauty, offers a set of songs which detail, in typical Paul fashion, stories of people and places that reflect larger truths about us all. “Kick Out the Lights (Johnny Cash)” pays tribute to that American icon name-checked in its title. “Plastic Soldier” offers homage to a soldier returning from Afghanistan. A barnstorming pilot takes the spotlight in “Jimmie Angel’s Flying Circus,” while iconic Boston musician Dennis Brennan takes the focus in “Waiting on a Break.” Even the Empire State Building and the Boston Red Sox get their due, via “Empire State” and “UK Girl (Boston Calling),” respectively. Given its remarkable songs and singular stories, Chasing Beauty not only lives up to its name, but literally defines it as well. (www.ellispaul.com)

The Hello Strangers
self-titled
(independent)

Sibling outfits always stand out whenever it comes to harmony and synchronicity. It’s a forgone conclusion really that no matter what the style — from the Everly Brothers to the Clancy Brothers, the Andrews Sisters to the Secret Sisters, encompassing practically every family bands that’s made its name while crafting pure pop. The latest pairing to prove their mettle are Brechyn Chace and Larissa Chace Smith, a duo that calls themselves The Hello Strangers. Even if they hadn’t been sisters, they would still be worthy of praise; as demonstrated on their eponymous debut, they boast a classic sound and style that already finds them sounding like country royalty. In fact, there’s not a single song here that doesn’t already feel like a barroom standard. Remarkably, they seem to have emerged fully formed, and on songs like “Runaway,” “Ruined” and “Holy Unholy” they demonstrate the kind of credence that only happens when worldly experience is paired with shattered sentiment. Jim Lauderdale guests on his own original “What You Don’t Know,” but even though it may constitute a nod in their favor, these two ladies certainly stand out on their own. Country credence is assured, and with it, a very promising future indeed. (www.thehellostrangers.com

Harvey Mapcase
Dot Kill Dot
(King Harvey Records)

Harvey Mapcase, the nom de plume for English expatriate Neil Carlill is unusual both in its execution and in its origins. Carlill worked with various British bands before emigrating to the U.S. in 2000, and hasn’t emerged until now. Nevertheless, Dot Kill Dot shows his singular purpose via a set of songs that meander with a woozy sway, as if conceived after a full night of fun and libations. Carlill himself furthers this impression; his swooning vocals (think Ray Davies leading a group chorus in “Demon Alcohol”) supports the unsteady foundations, leaning tipsily and confidently from one extreme to another. ”Ravens Picks Locks” and “Ulises Lima” are particularly intriguing, each basking in a swooning cacophony of sound before finally crashing to completion. Half the proceeds from the sale of Dot Kill Dot go towards wildlife causes, which adds further substance to Carlill’s purpose, besides hopefully helping introduce listeners to these off-kilter circumstances. One thing’s for sure –this  won’t help your hangover. (www.harveymapcase.com)