Welcome back to the CD Odyssey. Ten years in
I’m still a long way from finishing my mission of reviewing all the albums in
my collection. It would be easier if I stopped buying new ones. Musicians would
need to stop producing such great art for that to happen, but I don’t see that happening
any time soon.
Disc 1313 is… Good Luck Charm
Artist:
The Mastersons
Year of Release: 2014
What’s up with the
Cover?
Supposedly, the constellation Lepus (the rabbit). I’m not much of a stargazer, but the stars
don’t look right here. Of course, cosmic-scale rabbits don’t make a lot of sense
to begin with. Fun fact, Lepus is directly below Orion if you’re searching for
it. Maybe find a better rendition of what stars to look for, though.
How I Came to Know
It: I saw the Mastersons when
they opened for Steve Earle about five years ago (and also formed part of his
band at the time – the Dukes and Duchesses). I didn’t buy their albums at the show
but regretted it and sought them out later.
How It Stacks Up: I have two Mastersons albums. (I once had three
but I gave away 2017’s “Transient Lullaby” after reviewing it back at Disc 1130). Of all three, I put “Good Luck Charm” in at #2.
Ratings: 3 stars
“Good Luck Charm” launches with energy and
enthusiasm, setting a high bar that’s ultimately too high to reach over the
course of the record.
The formula for this record (the Mastersons’ second)
is the same as others; uplifting alt-country tunes that rely heavily on the
pretty harmonies of husband and wife team Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore.
As ever, Whitmore is the star of the show. Her voice is an equal mix of sweet and
power, with a tone that is comfortable like a long-term relationship. Think manic
pixie girl, but five years into the relationship.
The record’s best effort is its first, with the
title track “Good Luck Charm”, “Closer to You” and “If I
Wanted To” delivering a 1-2-3 punch that had me genuinely excited for what
was to follow.
The title track is a series of sad
observations about the state of society, wrapped in an uplifting tune that
makes you feel like the narrator’s plea for a good luck charm is going to be
answered. The song is indicative of a record that approaches sadness, but never
takes a full wallow.
This isn’t always what’s called for, however. Later
in the record “Cautionary Tale” is a character study of self-destructive
behavior. The lyrics are dark enough, but despite some well-placed minor notes
the tune is a bit too polished and upbeat to land the requisite gravitas of the
subject matter.
Back to the front of the record, where the
second song “Closer to You” has a delightful swing that sounds like a cross
between the country jump of a Dixie Chicks song and the whimsical contemporary
folk of Dar Williams. The Mastersons write their music, which isn’t always critical
- think Waylon Jennings singing Billy Joe Shaver songs - but I have a bias
toward singers that also penned the tune.
“Closer to You” is an example of a sad
song (it’s about reminiscing about a lost parent) wrapped in a happy worldview.
Yes, the father is dead, but the song’s resolution is to both appreciate the
time you had, and to appreciate the great moments with those who remain.
Sometimes the Mastersons are a bit too cheery, but on “Closer to You” it
is exactly what’s called for.
The record is held back by a couple of things.
First, while the lyrics are simple truths that suit the tunes, I could’ve used
a bit more poetry. Strained phrases like “rhetoricin’ politicians make me
mad” (from the title track) hide well enough in the strength of the tune,
but don’t add much to it.
Second, the production is very polished.
Despite their alternative country roots, the album has that smooth Nashville
country sound that blunts the emotional impact. The violin on “Cautionary
Tale” are an example. They are played beautifully but where a poignant
musical note was needed, it reads as easy listening. While I’m picking a bit on
this song, the problem rears its head in other songs as well.
While the opening of the record is the best
part, there are some late-arriving gems that kept my head in the game, notably the
carefree love song “Easy By Your Side” and the album’s final track, “Time
is Tender.” The latter – like “Closer to You” – is a reminder not to
waste the time you’ve got in life.
“Time is Tender” is a song where Chris
Masterson takes the lead. Usually I prefer Whitmore, but here he rises to the
occasion, delivering one of his best vocal performances. “Time is Tender”
also features some of the album’s best lyrics, including this delightful section
in the second verse:
“Now the miles turned into memories
And the days don’t seem to end
What don’t kill you
Sure does leave you tired.”
It sure does. Hearing this song fading out as
I type these words reminds me that despite the album’s strong opening, the
Mastersons still managed to save the best for last.
Best tracks: Good Luck Charm, Closer to You, If I Wanted To, Easy
By Your Side, Time Is Tender
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