Post by egoodstein on Jun 30, 2006 9:48:51 GMT -5
THE MOONLIGHTERS, SURRENDER ('06) ***3/4. 4th release from nifty NYC string band quartet featuring vocalist Bliss Blood. They're like the Boswell Sisters fast forwarded to today, with some nice 'tropical' sounds from Hawaiien steel guitar player Mike Neer, and Blood's own fine ukulele playing. Guitarist Carla Murray also adds a few more songs this time and is fine harmony singer. And while a lot of fun, nostalgic and okay, sorta camp, as on still effective story song "Ziegfield Doll," or more directly 'nostalgic' sounding "Every Little Raindrop," there're some more serious tones on some of the other songs, like folk tango "Dirt Road Live" which talks 'bout "In the dirt road is my life, in the dust and grime/One footprint at a time. . . home to the factory through the blight/Each step a sigh in the silent night." "Broken Doll" has a near 'indie' feel too-- about the death of a 'good time girl.' They do a good job too with older songs, like "Bali Hai," early Gus Kahn chestnut "I'll Never Be the Same," the obscure but atmospheric and still catchy "Hold your Man" and a couple others. Blood and Murray have really nice voices that blend well, very good playing. The last few songs aren't quite as strong IMO-- or rather, a bit repetitive by that time, but still well done. Fine group I think-- & their other albums very good too IMO. info www.blissblood.com/moon.html. Ed