Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff
Yep Roc, 2020
9/10
Listen to Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff
The ‘90s were good to Grant-Lee Phillips, who fronted Grant Lee Buffalo across 4 successful albums and tours with names like R.E.M, Pearl Jam, and The Cranberries. After the band dissolved, Phillips has been solo ever since, and the multi-instrumentalist has made his way onto TV, too.
This 10th album on his own has Phillips doing what he does best, i.e. writing memorable songs that are both musically and lyrically stirring, and he’s got an all star cast with him on the recording.
“Ain’t Done Yet” starts the album with warm, elegant Americana where a horns adds much to the busy, playful climate, and “Drawing The Head” follows with hushed yet expressive vocals from Phillips guiding a richly textured atmosphere.
At the halfway point, “Mourning Dove” displays strong drumming from Jay Bellerose as Eric Heywood’s pedal steel makes an impression in the folk influenced album highlight, while the key heavy “Sometimes You Wake Up In Charleston” benefits from eloquent storytelling. “Gather Up”, one of the more upbeat selections, then brings a soulful, gospel quality to the varied effort.
Close to the end, “Coming To” moves soft and gently, where country nods enter the thoughtfulness, and “Walking In My Sleep” finishes out the listen with soothing acoustic guitar accompanying the largely wordless vocals that add much charm.
Phillips is nothing if not consistent. Now 15+ albums deep including his full band work, he’s never short on stories to tell, and is always reinventing his approach to his song craft in subtle, yet effective ways. The album is titled after something his 12 year old daughter said, who’s a constant source of inspiration that’s helping him create his best work to date.
Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul