Another Voice From The Retro Club

Artists are clearly tapping into tried and true styles from yesteryear. I raved about Fleet Foxes in my previous blog. Well, now I offer up a new exhibit: Nicole Atkins. If Mama Cass and Roy Orbison had a love child, she's it. Imagine that genetic combo backed by the Pretenders. The songs on her record Neptune City are all over the place, but she's got an operatic vocal quality that is as every bit mesmerizing as Amy Winehouse's blues snarl. Difference? Seems like Nicole's having fun with her noir-ish tunes. Plus it's nice to hear an American voice singing with gusto, not burpling like a vocodered teen queen (my own word, burpling).

Check out Ms. Atkins on le video:
Maybe Tonight
Neptune City (original version)

I expect her to make a decent run at Best New Artist (along with Fleet Foxes) at the Grammys. Hope her label makes the push. Her record came out last October, making it eligible for this year's awards. It's quickly joining my favorites of the past 12 months. I mean, on first listen (and I'm still listening) I know this is a record to be reckoned with.

Hope all my kith and kin in the South are weathering the storms. Fall has mercifully arrived here in L.A. Nice walks at night to the church with the family; Callie likes to run in the parking lot.

Peace & Disco Beats