If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…
Royal Potato Family, 2021
8/10
Listen to If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…
A Brooklyn singer-songwriter with a penchant for the softer sounds of the ‘70s, Leslie Mendelson crafts a very personal and political record here, where she handles vocals, keys, guitar and harmonica, and takes help from Steve McEwan (guitar, vocals), Lorenzo Wolff (bass) and Zach Jones (drums).
“Lay It All On Me” starts the listen with pounding keys and bright, soulful singing as Mendelson meshes pop ideas with warm, graceful songwriting, and “Medication” follows with a very personal, vulnerable ballad where her gorgeous pipes are met with agile piano.
Coasting towards the middle, the folk friendly “Would You Give Up Your Gun” displays intricate acoustic guitar alongside soft singing, while “All Come Together” offers a bouncy, upbeat and playfully melodic album highlight. “I Need Something”, another eloquent tune, then gets dreamy with Mendelson’s breezy and sophisticated formula flowing with a charming demeanor.
“Flesh And Bone” arrives near the end, and enters darker areas of sublime, stirring song craft, and “My Dark Peace” exits the listen gentle, articulate and packed with intimacy that gives us a peek into Mendelson’s creative vision.
A very well thought out listen that bridges pop, Americana and folk ideas, Mendelson has already been Grammy nominated for her 2009 debut, and this excellent outing is likely to see just as much praise with its timeless nature and substantial, memorable melodies.
Travels well with: Laura Nyro Live In Japan- Tree Of Ages; Mark Erelli- Blindsided