STACK #160 Feb 2018

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Shannon Noll Unbroken

Franz Ferdinand Always Ascending Franz Ferdinand raise the

As his amusing internet trolls will attest, there’s nothing more Aussie than Shannon Noll. His fifth studio album, and first in seven years, starts: “I want to live, I want to die, under the light of the great southern sky.” Noll – the runner-up in Australian Idol 15 years ago – is like an Aussie version of Bryan Adams, delivering uncomplicated anthems. And he’s political in his own way. “It’s time to take a stand,” he declares in No B&S , a rallying cry to return to simpler, less politically correct times. “A good time’s not what it used to be – got noise restrictions and fun police.” Jingoistic, sure, but Noll knows how to write a nifty tune. (Warner) Jeff Jenkins

Grant-Lee Phillips Widdershins Widdershins: to go anti-clockwise, considered unlucky. This is the title of Nashville-based singer- songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor, film composer and visual artist, Grant-Lee Phillips' ninth solo album. It sets the direction of these songs, inspired by “the things that eat away in the late hours.” Widdershins focuses on Phillips' observations of our current social landscape, and spirals back to the intense social sounds of the early '90s with his then-trio Grant Lee Buffalo. Phillips’ heartfelt passion delivers his truthful storytelling to another level. Yet again, another album from an artist that deserves to be heard. (Yep Roc/Redeye) Denise Hylands indietronica stakes with their fine fifth longplayer. Soft la-las precede an onslaught of squidgy synths, as the title track’s beautiful noise is unleashed – replete with Take Me Out dancefloor swagger. Electronics trump guitars throughout, as oomba-oomba basslines and disco hi-hats infuse the anthemic Huck And Jim , as well as ode to love and lethargy Lazy Boy . Lois Lane proves that the FFS collaboration with Sparks left a lasting impression, while second single Feel The Love Go is a hook-laden delight, with louche Bowie-esque sax slinking in for a two minute wind-out that leaves you craving more. Satisfaction arrives via closer Slow Don't Kill Me Slow ’s dreamy, romantic, slightly off-kilter kiss goodnight. (Domino) Amy Flower

Ruby Boots Don't Talk About It

Don’t Talk About It – the second album for Perth’s Bex Chilcott, who’s better known as Ruby Boots – is a genre-busting delight. “Everything’s changing,” she explains in the title track. Yep, just when we had Boots pegged as an alt-country queen, she now comes across as a compelling mix of Dixie

Chicks and Deborah Harry. Sultry and sassy, fierce and feisty, she’s able to swing between the stomping glam-tinged rock of first single It’s So Cruel to the jangly Tom Petty-like guitar pop of Easy Way Out , the Lucinda Williams-like I’ll Make It Through , and the gloriously nostalgic title track with its ’60s pop vocal. “Through all this moving on,” the now Nashville- based artist sings, “I’m still going strong.” Indeed, Don’t Talk About It is a fine second album; swaggeringly assured, it oozes confidence and class. And the a cappella I AmWoman is the centrepiece. “I am a woman,” Boots declares. “Do you know what that means? You lay it all on the line when you lay down with me.” Hear her roar. (Bloodshot/Universal) Jeff Jenkins

The Rolling Stones On Air The latest Stones' archival release – 18 tracks on the standard version, 32 on the deluxe edition – consists of live and studio recordings aired on various BBC radio shows from 1963 to 1965. Having only formed in 1962, they started off almost exclusively performing blues and R&B covers such as Chuck Berry's Come On (their first single ) and Carol – both of which are included in this collection along with Bo Diddley, Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters songs. Of their originals, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction is a stand-out. Now titans of rock, these recordings cement their standing as one of the best blues bands to emerge in the 1960s. (Universal) Billy Pinnell

Tommy Emmannuel Accomplice One When internationally acclaimed guitarist Tommy Emmanuel began preparations for his latest collaborative release, he was determined not to go the easy route by sending audio files around the world. His "no remote" policy resulted in this wide-ranging, ambitious release of covers and originals, which feature Emmanuel trading licks and vocals with a diverse group of artists. He duets with dobro virtuoso Jerry Douglas on Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze , is joined by singer Amanda Shires on a country ballad version of Madonna's Borderline , and there's a bluesy duet with Mark Knopfler. Other guests include Rodney Crowell, David Grisman, Jorma Kaukonen, Ricky Scaggs, and Jason Isbell. (Sony) Billy Pinnell

Tim Hart The Narrow Corner

“Walking on water is easy,” Boy & Bear drummer Tim Hart sings in the opening cut of his second solo album, “when water is ice.” Indeed, Hart is performing no miracles here, delivering folk pop that’s familiar if a little unfashionable: “I’m foolish and fast-talkin’,” he reveals in Not Mine For The Asking ; “I long to just fit in.” There’s a gentle, Simon & Garfunkel- like simplicity to his work, which is out of step with the complicated modern electro- pop world. But his songs are strong, with exquisite harmonies, reminding of Josh Pyke and Augie March. Recommended. (Universal) Jeff Jenkins

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FEBRUARY 2018

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