 |
More Music. Fewer Interruptions. Just what you want to hear.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Talk about Arts, Culture, & Entertainment
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
THE POST | News | Sports | Culture | Business | Free Forum
|
|
|
| |
| Album Review: Good Luck Charm by The Mastersons |
|
|
| |
 by: JoeS - Springfield, PA
started: 09/14/14 4:16 pm | updated: 09/14/14 4:16 pm |
| |
Good Luck Charm follows The Mastersons critically acclaimed first effort Birds Fly South. The Mastersons are Eleanor Whitmore and Chris Masterson. They are part of the Dukes and Duchesses who are the awesome band that supports the great Steve Earle. That tells you that they are highly accomplished musicians. Eleanor is the daughter of an opera singer and folk singer/airline pilot and a student of the Texas fiddle legend, Johnny Gimble. She has backed Diana Ross and Kelly Willis. Chris is a guitar prodigy who has played with Son Volt, Jack Ingram and Bobby Bare Jr. They met in 2005, have performed together for 5 years, have worked on each others' solo efforts and are now married.
Good Luck Charm is co-written by the duo whereas Birds Fly South were songs brought to the table by each of them. The production value of this effort is amazing. Jim Scott brings his magical mixing/production talents to the album. His highly developed skills allow the sweet spot of all their talents to shine through. He has worked with Wilco, Tom Petty, Sting and The Rolling Stones. John Ginty on keys, but especially on the Hammond organ, brings depth and soul. George Reiff's bass is splendid. His bass throbs and pushes the sound forward without dominating it.
This is a rootsy, power pop, indie, country, hard to pigeon hole, top notch album of irresistible melodies, remarkable harmonies and superb songwriting. Both Eleanor and Chris have fine voices, however, together their harmony is special. Don and Phil, Marvin and Tammy, and The Righteous Brothers had that third voice. Most performers don't... The Mastersons do! Just listen to “If I Wanted To†or “Uniform†and I think you'll agree.
The overall tempo of the album is upbeat with most songs getting your toes tapping. “It's Not Like Me†is just mesmerizing with hooks that make you think and smile. “It's not like me, To like somebody like you, Somebody who could fall into, The crazy arms of someone like me†are catchy lines which hit close to home and the heart.
“Good Luck Charm,†the lead song and album title, sets the standard and pace of this superb follow-up to Birds Fly South. Right out of the box your heart starts pumping pushed by their exceptional harmony coupled with Eleanor's violin and Chris's guitar. If you are a closet shower or car singer like me, this could be your next be solo effort, it was mine.
This album grew on me. That has been my MO recently with the new stuff from Spoon, Temples, and Dr. Dog getting into my head and heart with more intensity with each listen. Good Luck Charm has 11 top shelf songs, nothing weak. “Cautionary Tale†is a song about disappointment and estrangement which showcases Eleanor's big and textured voice, that electrifying Hammond organ, that pounding bass and guitar and yes that harmony into my favorite off the album. Last but not least is “Time Is Tender.†It is a real strong country almost gospel tune. It is the kind of song Johnny and June Cash would have loved. This song is a reminder of how fleeting our time here is, “Time is borrowed, Watch it slip away.â€
I think these are two performers on the move. Being an incurable romantic, I think their relationship and romance is the glue and fulcrum of this top notch album. They will be appearing at the Tin Angel on Sept. 22nd with Jason Currie. Having seen them live last year, I'm going back for a second dose of their mesmerizing harmonies, catchy lyrics and fine musicianship. You can follow them on Facebook and on their web page www.themastersonsmusic.com. Buy Good Luck Charm, you will enjoy this fine second album form a duo who are at the top of their game. |
| |
| |
| TOP STORIES |
|
|
| |
| (0) responses |
|
|
THE POST | News | Sports | Culture | Business | Free Forum
| |
 |
|
|
Welcome! Start listening now for FREE! The music is always on, so choose a radio station and click to listen. You can find fun Events around Philly and
you can list yours on our Events page FREE. We will also promote cool
Philly shows, events and fundraisers on the air FREE. There are also great opportunities to become a sponsor or advertise. iRadioPhilly supports
the Philadelphia music and arts scene. If you are a local musician or
performer, send us your stuff. We will play it on our BYO radio station,
Philadelphia's Local Stage. We're designing the radio stations and iradiophilly to reflect Philadelphia's music tastes, so we'll want your input. We're glad you're here. Invite your friends. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
FOLLOW:        |
| HOME | ABOUT | ADVERTISE | CONTACT | EVENTS | PHOTOS | PODCASTS | STATIONS | CONTESTS | SPONSORS | BUSINESSES/ORGs | SCHEDULE | SITEMAP | THE POST |
|
© 2010-20 iradiophilly 501(c)(3) |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
