Mary Strand – I Don’t Need Your Permission
This punk-lite collection is constructed diligently by Mary Strand & her band The Garage with swipes at Blondie (Debbie Harry) & Patti Smith. But Ms. Strand does have interesting vocal tonality. The songs themselves aren’t anything new, but there’s a refreshing charm to their edgy old school rock ‘n’ roll buttered up with ‘70s punk indulgences. The chiming guitars are a nice touch, as back in the ’70s, guitars were a little more aggressive.
“Take Your Time” & “Ditch Your Fate” are both gratifying, while ”Stay Or Let This Go” is a little more developed. “Wanna Talk Dirty” is drenched in ‘60s contemporary catchiness & melody that a female singer like the late Lesley Gore (“It’s My Party”), who was a bit of an early feminist, would’ve sunk her teeth into with vigor. There are 12 songs laid out & Mary says I Don’t Need Your Permission (Drops Aug 1/High Tension Records/Virgin Music/34:38).
The LP has attitude — recorded in the Twin Cities & produced by The Garage members: Ryan Smith (electric, acoustic, 12 string acoustic & reverse guitars/E-bow/sitar/Mellotron/piano/synth bass/Linn Drums/percussion/lead vocals on one track/bgv), Mark Wade (bass/upright bass/electric guitar/lead vocals on one track/bgv) & Mary Strand (lead vocals/electric guitar).
The tune “Least of All Her” has the most concentrated guitar sound, mindful of the band Boston at times. It’s superb. A little more ballad-heavy & good is “For All of Us (Dear Taylor).” What Mary manages to do is balance her showcase – not everything is head-banging. She has a good ballad voice & would’ve fit into the music scene in the ‘70s when Robin Lane (& the Chartbusters), Michelle Malone (Drag the River), Chrissie Hyde (The Pretenders), & Anne Richmond Boston (The Swimming Pool Q’s) were holding court. Mary can go from hardcore Debbie Harry to folk-rock chanteuse Natalie Merchant in a finger-snap.
This is the Minneapolis-based band’s 2nd album. It finds Strand asking pertinent questions about life. Themes about empowerment with a sense of outrage & injustice, though there doesn’t seem to be an over-emphasized stab at politics or radicalism. The vintage rock ‘n’ roll flavors are not exactly as accusatory as John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth” or the gnarly Wild Stares’ “Piece of the Picture.”
Mary has solid songs on this album. “Does Any of This Really Matter” is a wonderful closing tune. The musicians have thin ranks, but they always provide excellent backing through each song. For those who are nostalgic for more rock, these performances will satisfy. This band has done its homework & got an A.
Highlights – “Take Your Time,” “Ditch Your Fate,” “Stay Or Let This Go,” “Wanna Talk Dirty,” “Least of All Her,” “For All of Us (Dear Taylor),” & “Does Any of This Really Matter.”
Musicians – Jack Strand (drums).
Color image & CD cover image courtesy of Dan Michener. @ Bandcamp & Apple + https://www.marystrand.com/