STACK #194 Dec 2020

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Calexico Seasonal Shift FromTuscon Arizona, Calexico are well known for their blending of North American music with the sounds that drift from their Southern neighbours. Seasonal Shift is their first holiday album. But it's not necessarily a Christmas album (although there a few of those themes here); this is more of a celebratory collection of songs that really crosses borders, taking you on a journey through cultural seasonal celebrations. From Portuguese Fado to Mexican folk songs, this is a feel- good collection of music. Covers by John Lennon and Tom Petty sit beside traditional sounds of mariachi and more; it's a perfect end to a challenging year for everyone, that reflects on the 12 months gone and the changes they brought for better or worse. Let Calexico bring

The Kills Little Bastards Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, better known as The Kills, have assembled the best B-sides, demos and covers to form a collection endearingly titled Little Bastards . Across the album’s 20 tracks you’ll hear fan favourite Night Train through to a live version of Love is A Deserter which highlights the duo’s musical chemistry, as well as the faultless rendering of their studio recordings. Deeper into the record Mosshart gives Screamin’ Jay Hawkins a run for his money, her soulful vocals born for his seminal track I Put A Spell On You . Purveyors of blues rock and effortless cool, the release is proof The Kills will stand the test of time with their idiosyncratic style. (Domino) Holly Pereira

Wolf & Cub NIL Keep a keen eye on the speedometer when listening to Wolf & Cub's fourth album while driving, 'cause this one's majority pedal-to-the-metal riff'n'roll with ultra-propulsive drumming (new member Jonathan Boulet is a beast on the kit). Named after the project that frontman Joel Byrne and bassist Wade Keighran started with Boulet after Wolf & Cub's OG drummer left the band, Witch Trials brings maximum brutality. Lead single Blue State boasts swag plus cowbell and Close To The Edge edges toward QOTSA (especially those "whoo-oo- oo" harmonies). NIL is the sound of Wolf & Cub giving exactly nil f-cks about where they sit within the current musical landscape, instead just spewing forth authenticity, unapologetic heaviness and general

Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams Plastic Bouquet Plastic Bouquet is the coming together of like-minded artists from two hemispheres. New Zealander singer-songwriter Marlon Williams was on the money when he discovered the folk duo Kacy & Clayton from Saskatoon Saskatchawen Canada, and immediately liked what he heard. With one thing leading to another, Williams headed to Canada in the Christmas of 2018 where the three wrote and recorded the bulk of these songs, which document new friends discovering their lifelong shared passion for Western, country, folk and troubadour traditions. From the country rhythm of the Carter Family to '60s folk pop sounds of Nancy and Lee, this is a stunning album filled with airy space, twang, and soothing vocals. Kacy sums it up: “The three of us are just old timey kids." (NewWest) Denise Hylands

badassery. We're here for it. (PartTime Records/Remote Control) Bryget Chrisfield

you some peace of mind. (Spunk) Denise Hylands JB UNCOVERED From the outrageously brilliant brain of Australia’s favourite satirical songwriter comes a sophisticated debut studio album of 11 beautifully observed songs. Out now. GET IN ON THESE FRESH RELEASES IRON MAIDEN Nights of the Dead, Legacy of the Beast - Live in Mexico City Over 100 minutes of classic Maiden recorded during their three sold-out arena shows in September 2019. Available in Deluxe 2CD and Vinyl formats. Out now. TIM MINCHIN Together Apart

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