Trax
By Bliss 11/19/2009
ANNE HILLS,
Points of View(Appleseed):
(3 out of 5 stars)
Singer-songwriter/actress Hills is best exploring the melodic turns of dark ballads like “Two Year Winter” and “The Farm,” a moving plaint told from the POV of a man about to lose his family’s land. She has a knack for natural metaphors that reflect inner conundrums. “I Am You” is overly earnest (Hills recently earned a master’s degree in social work), but her poetic lyrics, old-school folk style and soprano should endear her to fans of Kate Wolf and Judy Collins. At Caltech Saturday. annehills.com.
LES TRIABOLIQUES,
rivermudtwilight (World Village):
(4 out of 5 stars)
Robert Plant guitarist Justin Adams, saz player Lu Edmonds and multi-instrumentalist Ben Mandelson have fun coloring outside genre lines with myriad instruments: saz, barizouki, bass-harmonica, khomuz, tilinnka, electric kabosy, mandolin, plectrum banjo. Introducing the classic rock chestnut “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” with a traditional hora is one of several delightful twists; other standouts include “Black Earth Boys,” “Afsaduni (I Have Been Corrupted)” and “Gulaguajira” (sung in Russian). No fuss or fury — just great music played by masters. myspace.com/lestriaboliques
CORB LUND,
Losin’ Lately Gambler (New West):
(3 out of 5 stars)
Lund left the rodeo circuit long ago, but its gritty characters and milieu imprint this slyly engaging roots-rock collection. He also mines clever inspiration from horse tranquilizer, underground card scenes, female gunfighters and his native Canada. The depth and detail of Lund’s songs can get overlooked during his rowdy shows — a shame, as he’s a strong, insightful songwriter. Conversely, recordings haven’t conveyed his onstage energy. The live track “Time to Switch to Whiskey” captures some of that performance power. At Hotel Café tonight. corblund.com.
LISSIE,
Why You Runnin’ (Fat Possum):
(3 out of 5 stars)
Produced by Band of Horses bassist Bill Reynolds, this five-track EP is a reverb-kissed showcase for Ojai singer-songwriter Lissie’s shimmer-and-burn alto and dramatic flair (“Danger will fall on me,” she wails on the mysterious “Everywhere I Go”) and lyrics dusted with details from her Illinois upbringing. Her melodies are quite simple — maybe too much so — but the lack of varnish makes the music more compelling. Opening for Ray LaMontagne at the Orpheum downtown Friday through Sunday. myspace.com/lissiemusic.
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