2010-12-03
Jodee Lewis (channeling her best Alison Krauss) and Steve Hendershot are the Chicago duo known as The Spares. On their third record, they get a little darker, leading off with "I Don't Miss," a rocking little wordplay about an angry woman with a gun, and continues through "Earthquake," "Like We Were" and "Has He Told You" (which warns about a two-timin' guy). Somebody's had some heartache here! But the music is great and the harmonies fine. "Center of the World" is another upbeat folk-rock message tune, "Revolution" is a wry commentary on the roller-coaster nature of politics and "Wanted Man" is a bluesy tale. The Spares make intelligent, well-crafted music. Probably the only thing that keeps them from making the big time is a limited touring schedule: Lewis is a mom of two (about to be three) and was a chemical engineer before music and motherhood changed her direction. Let's support the family. 12/10 MJVD F-Alt CountryTHE GOTHIC ARCHIES
The Tragic Treasury
Michael Franti
Songs from the Front Porch
Rachel Sage
The Blistering Sun
KRIS DELMHORST
Strange Conversation
Golden Smog
Blood on the Slacks
PETE BERNHARD
Straight Line
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