Po’ Girl – Vagabond Lullabies

Po’ Girl is a now trio to be reckoned with. They write such smart songs, and play them so well, it’s nearly impossible to take their records out of your stereo. Sound overwrought? Try it for yourself. Then get back to me.

 

This is such a cool record. There’s a mess of influences here, from bluegrass, folk, blues, country and even some beatboxing (!) so that this disc is never boring, never anything less than beautiful.

 

Looking at the liner notes I’m impressed that all three ladies sing (lead and harmony), play multiple instruments, you name it. It’s a multi-talented democracy, like Sloan does it! I like bands that do this – it lends an openness to the sound that other groups with static musicians cannot always achieve. 

 

We got to meet Diona Davies when we saw Carolyn Mark and Geoff Berner in St. Catherines last year. Great show, and everyone involved was so nice. I still count that as one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to a bunch. Anyway, it’s awesome to hear her here, playing beautifully, as ever. A stellar addition to this group.

 

And the special guests! A short overview of the list includes names like CR Avery, Chris Brown, Kate Fenner, Carolyn Mark, Luther Wright and Ani DiFranco! I mean, c’mon! Fantastic.

 

Should you get this? Uh, what? You don’t own it already? Hop to it!

 

Track Listing:

01 Tell Me A Story

02 Mercy

03 Movin’ On

04 Take The Long Way

05 Prairie Girl Gone

06 Poor Girl

07 Poor Girl

08 South Of Nowhere

09 Part Time Poppa

10 Driving

11 Corner Talk

12 I’ve Got Time

13 Walk On And Sing

Po’ Girl – Po’ Girl

Po’ Girl makes the most wonderful, laid-back and beautiful music. This is for late nights, taking a load off and mellowing out to some thoughtful and stress-free groove tunes that bring a constant smile to your face. It’s here in spades.

 

As a duo for this record, Allison Russell and Trish Klein offer up track after track of singer/song-writer bliss, infused with blues and soul, country and bluegrass, all through a folk sensibility. I even hear a little bit of Morcheeba-style vocals, which is awesome.

 

Need more enticement? Hell, folks, any record that has liner notes giving a special thanks to the guys who wrote Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? has gotta be the one you turn to when nothing else can scratch that itch. Get this. You’ll love it immediately.

 

Track Listing:

01 Gone In Pawn (Shake Sugaree)

02 Bad Luck Day Baby

03 City Song

04 Bleak St.

05 Shameless

06 Malaise Days

07 Cold Hungry Blues

08 Backstairs Down

09 Abilene

10 Wheels Are Taking Me Away

11 What Sad Old Song?

12 Lullabye