Shelby Lynne – Consequences of the Crown
I always enjoyed the music of Shelby Lynne in an era when I was getting acquainted with music by singers like Allison Moorer (Shelby’s sister), Shawn Colvin, Kim Richey & Billie Meyers among several other fine singer-songwriters.
The songs here surprisingly begin with an ethereal confluence with some haunting projections with the narrative & ghostly notes. Voices that possess “Truth We Know,” that aren’t the tonalities of country or folk music per se. But dallying in the confines of Jane Wiedlin, Julee Cruise, Angelo Badalamenti & Lisa Gerrard-type flows. “Consequences,” continues in this vein with heavy bass, thudding drum beats & multi-tracked vocals.
There are 12 musical experiences vividly distinguished on Consequences of the Crown (Drops Aug 16/Monument Records) — intriguing. There’s lots of studio alchemy going on to bring the ambiance to the surface & it succeeds. But it will be for selective tastes. Lynne’s vocals are upfront & embellished with good intensity. But this music is closer to the dance floor with its techno DNA. There’s little here that’s rural, country-flavored or folky. It would share room on a shelf with Tori Amos, P.J. Harvey & Fiona Apple.
Produced by Shelby (vocals/bass/acoustic & electric guitars/percussion/drums/programming/ snaps/bgv), Ashley Monroe (keys/piano/organ/pump organ/synthesizer/acoustic guitar/bgv/ programming), Karen Fairchild (percussion/wolf howls/bgv) & Gena Johnson the tracks were nevertheless recorded in Nashville, TN. Shelby always operates from an evocative creative level & her decisiveness comes forth with “Shattered.” An intense & catchy side despite all the colors splashed onto her musical canvas. It’s a Jackson Pollock arrangement. There’s even a soulful dash tossed in for flavor with the wonderfully arranged voices emblazoned throughout the melody.
“Clouds,” while still in a new wave tint, is solidly built with good words & a driving arrangement that has rousing vocal textures. Far more attractive to the ears rather than the feet. The set has its effects, but nothing overwrought. As the LP proceeds the melodies tighten up & become more accessible. “Regular Man,” & “Over & Over” are both pleasant ballads heavy on piano, with crisp narrative lyrics & soulful swipes. It’s not quite as Beatle-esque as Allison Moorer’s glorious “Cold In California” but Shelby’s beauty in some of these later melodies is inherent.
Musicians – Allison Moorer (bgv), Gena Johnson (programming/snaps/percussion/claps) & Eleonore Denig (strings).
Highlights – “Truth We Know,” “Consequences,” “Shattered,” “Clouds,” “Regular Man,” “Over & Over” & “Good Morning Mountain.”
B&W photos courtesy of Becky Fluke. CD @ Amazon & https://www.monument-records.com/shelby-lynne-returns-with-new-album-consequences-of-the-crown-august-16-on-monument-records/ & https://www.shelbylynne.com/
I think this is a generous review. I find it by far the weakest album of her entire career, which is truly disappointing. Over-produced, self-indulgent, experimental schlock. I’m wondering if signing to a label was a mistake, as her previous self-produced albums are far superior musically and lyrically to any song on this record. Pains me to say it, but I don’t think I can even give it a second listen.
I missed this when it first came out but the review is spot on and I’ve been listening to the album a lot. I’m not surprised that many will say this misses the mark (whatever that “mark” may be). I love the trippy beats, the relaxed r&b feel and the thoughtful lyrics. There’s thought in the song structure and sequencing. The layered sound is great on my high end stereo, less so in my car (too much reverb). It’s not “country” – I bet it took some gumption to release this. I’m glad she did.
I missed this when it first came out but the review is spot on and I’ve been listening to the album a lot. I’m not surprised that many will say this misses the mark (whatever that “mark” may be). I love the trippy beats, the relaxed r&b feel and the thoughtful lyrics. There’s thought in the song structure and sequencing. The layered sound is great on my high end stereo, less so in my car (too much reverb). It’s not “country” – I bet it took some gumption to release this. I’m glad she did.