Paint Still Wet
Happy Growl, 2020
10/10
A guitarist and singer-songwriter who was born in the midwest but raised in the southwest, Peggy James brings a wealth of influences to her atypical brand of Americana, where vintage pop ideas enter her vivid storytelling and very charming song craft.
“Let’s Fly Away” starts the album with a warm, melodic setting as smooth, expressive singing from James is complemented by Anna Vafai’s violin and Lil’ Rev’s harmonica and ukulele, and “Wiser” follows with a bare display as James sings and plays acoustic guitar while Jim Eannelli’s autoharp helps cultivate a dreamy, rootsy climate.
Closer to the middle, “I Can’t Do Lonely Anymore” recruits Connie Grauer on piano in the playful, retro soft rocker where James shows us just versatile her pipes are, while “Sailor Knots” glows with a timeless Americana spirit as James creates much beauty and emotion. “Head Over Heels”, one of the album’s best, then brings a more tense atmosphere that’s certainly still soaked in pretty instrumentation as Jim Liban lends his harmonica prowess.
Deep into the listen, autoharp returns on “Scarlet And Gold”, which almost takes on a gospel feel as thicker guitar work enters the sturdier rock foundation, and “Gettin’ Serious” exits the listen with plenty of pop sensibilities packed into the crunchy package that you’d never know was recorded live until your hear the crowd at the end.
As to how James has been able to avoid worldwide fame 5 albums deep into her career is beyond me, cause Paint Still Wet has all the components for record of the year status with its fluid singing, forthright lyrics, and deep bag of sounds that span country, folk, blues, pop and rock.
Travels well with: Cf Watkins- Babygirl; Mary Lambert- Grief Creature