Shelby Lynn
Just A Little Lovin’ - Lost Highway Records
A
When I first heard that Shelby Lynn was going to release a new album, I got excited until I heard that it would be a tribute album full of Dusty Springfield covers. I distinctly remember the stark horror that filled me as I imagined a bold, brassy and drunken Shelby Lynn trying to interpret the delicately heartbroken coo of Dusty Springfield that had so entranced audiences for years.
Don’t misunderstand, I love Shelby Lynn but the differences between her and Dusty are monumental enough to have given me pause upon reading news of the release. I am glad to say that my fears were unfounded as “Just A Little Lovin” is a pure delight to listen to. Lynn delivers a number of Springfield’s hits including “Breakfast in Bed” and “Anyone Who Had a Heart” with perfect pitch and just the right amount of melancholy.
Indeed if there is fault to be found with this album its that there are too few up tempo tunes in the collection. Dusty Springfield certainly had a number of songs that weren’t sad and depressing (“Son of a Preacher Man” anyone?) but Shelby and the folks at Lost Highway were clearly going for a thematic low so we got a disk full of tear-jerkers. Not that that’s a bad thing. The best thing about this album is that Shelby doesn’t just do any old covers of Dusty Springfield, she really takes them as her own. A fitting tribute to an incredible woman by an equally incredible talent.
Alabama
The Last Stand - Cracker Barrel Records
B
Some of the earliest memories from my youth on the Alabama Gulf Coast I am able to access include a soundtrack of songs from my home state’s namesake band like “Roll On” and “Old Flame”. There is an unmistakable sense of nostalgia and distant longing for that which was new 20 some years ago associated with this band and their numerous hits throughout the years.
Though I truly wish I were one of the many lucky fans who got the treat of attending one of “The Last Stand” retirement tour dates, alas that was not the case. Lucky for me and the thousands of other Alabama fans the good folks at Cracker Barrel are now offering an exclusive CD of live performances from that historic final tour.
The CD is composed of 12 great renditions of some of Alabama’s greatest hits (Though “Elvira” and “Roll On” are noticeably absent. In truth, this album should have been twice this size in order to fit as many hits as the band have had over the years). But I have to admit a slight tearing up upon hearing the final notes of “The Fans” play through my speakers. It truly is the end of an era.
Register to win a free copy of this week’s review titles by sending an e-mail to daniel@outandaboutnewspaper.com. All reviewed titles are also available for purchase or special order from OutLoud Books & Gifts on Church Street in Nashville.