Been Around
Elefant, 2020
10/10
Way back in 2004 Erin Moran released her debut solo album as A Girl Called Eddy, which was a wonderful display of soulful indie-rock sensibilities. Since then, Moran’s been busy with other projects, but now, 15 years later, this sophomore A Girl Called Eddy record shows up,
The title track starts the listen with keys in a soulful pop setting that’s nostalgic and instantly memorable and even sneaks in a harmonica solo, and “Big Mouth” follows with a dreamy setting of strong vocals and sweeping music with an orchestral slant.
Near the middle, “Someone’s Gonna Break Your Heart” makes its way into folk-rock territory that’s full of sing-alongs and sublime guitar work that tips its hat to many decades ago, while “Not That Sentimental Anymore” offers a subdued display of cautious beauty that made Moran’s debut so striking. Although there isn’t a bad tune present, “Welcome To The Palisades!” is especially vibrant with horns and breathy vocals amid a busy delivery of elegant yet playful musicianship.
Near the end, “NY Man” gets contemplative with graceful and restrained pop ideas, and “Pale Blue Moon” ends the listen piano heavy as male vocals accompany Moran on the emotive exit.
Although it would be hard to gauge the anticipation of this 2nd album as I have a feeling most of us abandoned that idea many moons ago, Been Around is a glorious return with plenty of heartfelt and powerful song craft in the first essential record of 2020.
Travels well with: Rachael Sage- Pseudomyopia; Rebecca Turner- The New Wrong Way