Trax
By Bliss 01/21/2010
I SEE HAWKS IN LA, Shoulda Been Gold: 2001-2009 (American Beat/Collector’s Choice):
(4 stars out of 5)
“The Hawks abide,” as LA’s critically hailed cosmic rockers affirm in amusing liner notes for this collection of 17 tunes that deserve wider recognition. Previously issued fan faves like their politically irreverent, psychedelic eco-enviro anthem “Humboldt,” “Byrd From West Virginia” and “Raised By Hippies” are paired with five new tracks, including “Mystery of Life,” recorded in concert at Pasadena’s Neighborhood Church. Both a primer and celebration of a band often cited as one of LA’s best. At McCabe’s in Santa Monica Sunday. iseehawks.com.
MATTHEW RYAN, Dear Lover (Dear Future Collective):
(4 stars out of 5)
A pained but beautiful ode to the hard truth that “All that ever happens that’s all we’ll ever have,” whether in the joyful throes of new beginnings or mourning the end of a life or love. Last winter Ryan began writing songs for this, his 12th full-length, while in ER with a loved one; the tone’s dark, from the taut rocker “City Life” through the confessional “Some Streets Lead Nowhere.” But hope flashes through his raspy poetry and elegiac melodies, in his search for meaning. “The World Is…” and “The End of a Ghost Story” so vividly convey deep personal loss, it’s like eavesdropping on someone’s inner thoughts. Powerful. matthewryanonline.com.
FREEDY JOHNSTON, Rain on the City (Bar None):
(3.5 stars out of 5)
Fans will likely cheer this eclectic return by cult favorite Johnston. Tunes like “The Other Side of Love” and “It’s Gonna Come Back to You” engage with a lighthearted rhythmic bounce, though they lack the depth of “Central Station” and the bossa nova-inflected “The Kind of Love We’re In.” Wry humor infuses the sympathetic “The Devil Raises His Own” and melodic title track, a lilting slice of street life likely to stand with Johnston’s best work. freedyjohnston.com.
MADISON VIOLET, No Fool for Trying (True North):
(3 stars out of 5)
This stylish Canadian duo’s down-home country-folk should appeal to fans of the Wreckers, Dixie Chicks and Alison Krauss. Their sweet textured harmonies are the focal point of Les Cooper’s clean production, which unobtrusively weaves fiddle, banjo, upright bass and flourishes of slide, steel and accordion into mostly midtempo tunes. Some barnburners would be welcome, but gracefully balanced vocals and poignant songs are their own reward, notably the hard-times lament “The Ransom,” “Small of My Heart” and “The Woodshop.” madisonviolet.com
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