|
Red=Luck - Patty Larkin | |
|
Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
Patty Larkin has been making music for almost two decades now yet her new album Red=Luck is the first time I have had the pleasure of hearing a CD of hers. Being the music connoisseur I am, this surprises me having heard this "gem" of a CD. Patty Larkin is a Massachusetts resident who is more known as a "coffee house" folk singer than a country act and she is just that.
However, just because she's a "folk" singer at heart doesn't mean the CD isn't one that country fans would like. It has a lot to offer and those who like Kathy Mattea, Kim Richey, Mary Chapin Carpenter or Wynonna will really appreciate this album. It has smart, witty and personal lyrics and super musicianship which for the most part finds Patty Larkin playing anything with the name guitar attached to it.
"All That Innocence" starts the record off and with it's beautiful chord progression with the guitar and a nice drum loop backing that up, I almost forgot that there were words to the song. It's about the changing seasons and how they affect a person.
"24/7/365" is bluesy song sung in a whisper styled voice that really reminds me of Mary Chapin Carpenter. It's about the obvious, loving someone every day of the year. Again the chord progression of the guitar is very cool and patty plays acoustic, slide, and electric guitar along with the piano and mandolin on this song.
"Children" is described by Patty as a song that is "looking for innocence" And she's right (as if she'd be wrong). It talks about the things she remembers when she grew up and wonders what happened to the children that she and her friends were.
"Italian Shoes" is my favorite song on the CD. It is a song about communication and how she stumbles to find any way to say "I love you" without saying it. Nice and pleasant and a very groove oriented kind of song. This could be covered by someone like Deana Carter and it'd be a huge hit.
"Home" is a "torch" song that I can imagine being sung by some chanteuse at a café around the 1930's. Its light and airy sound is nice and a contrast to the modern production of the rest of the record.
"Different World" is the first song that was issued as a single. It is already a college and NPR radio favorite. Some adventurous adult alt-rock stations are picking it up too. It's an up-tempo song about love changes the way we life. This is another song that could be done by some female country artists and have a hit with it.
"Inside Your Painting" is another up-tempo rocker that'd be a good album cut for some artists. It's a nice lyrical song full of colorful words (literally) and talking about the guy she loves. Musically it's as good as all of Patty's other songs on the CD as well.
If you are looking for a singer/songwriter type of record then Patty Larkin's Red=Luck is for you. It has instantly become one of my favorites. It may do the same for you too.
Song List:
Album cover and soundclips courtesy of Vanguard Records.
Click on the button below to find the best price for this CD and purchase it from a retailer on the Internet.
