The Tall Pines is a band based out of New York (based on their tour dates), and their influences lies in Bobbie Gentry, Flannery O'Connor, Dusty Springfield, so musically, they sound like country pop/rock music (but specifically from the 70s). The band centers around songwriter/singer Christmas Davis and singer Connie Lynn Petruk. When played live, they include Katia Floreska on organ, Jess Krakow on bass, and Denny McDermott on drums.
NPR called their self-titled debut album the "Top Ten Best CDs of 2007". That's right, not top 50, top ten. More impressive that they beat out LCD Soundsystem.
Well the band is back, with a forthcoming album called Campfire Songs, due out June 23rd, but I wanted to mention that they are making a rare appearance tonight (June 10th), and will appear again for the CD release party.
What I think works for this band is the Beauty & The Beast factor. Not to say that Davis' is beast-looking, but he sounds like a beast to Petruk's sweet voice. And it works, just as it did for Isobell Campbell & Mark Lanegan.
The first few songs on Campfire is solely Connie on vocals, so I felt the album didn't really pick up until the hoedown-sounding "Good Woman". The wicked woman theme continues on the best track on the album: "If The Devil Knows You By Name". Keep in mind, that as a new listener, at the time, I had no idea Christmas actually contributes to the vocals. Suddenly the album shifts to a dialogue between a boy and girl, and it became a lot more interesting.
The other song worth noting is "All But Over Now" with Christmas singing by himself (usually Connie would at least sing backup, but not on this song). This is a weepy country song, complete with what sounds like a steel guitar.
Be sure to stay to the end, there is a hidden untitled track. I would call it "Down on a Farm" or something.
Look for The Tall Pines album Campfire Songs. In the meantime, if you're in New York, check them out live.
06/10/2009 01:29:58♥ vu () ♥ myspace.com/thetallpines x
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