Superstar Norah Jones belatedly discovers country music with some mostly unknown friends, a jokey band name, and a repertoire heavy on chestnuts. Classic vanity project, right? Not quite. Back in 2006, the Little Willies’ self-titled debut proved a left-field pleasure, one to file alongside the two Knitters albums and Elvis Costello’s Almost Blue. This album is a little different — there’s only one original (an instrumental), and the covers are generally less obvious — but it’s a solid follow-up, sounding warm and informal without slipping into camp. Jones sings country much like she sings jazz, keeping the lyrics as her guide. It’s a pleasure to hear a straight, pleading version of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” which countless cowpunk bands have played for laughs. (On the other hand, “Fist City” is played quite successfully for laughs, but so was Loretta Lynn’s original.) Still, this really is a band, and guitarist Richard Julian’s folkish voice blends nicely with Jones’s. Their harmonies on the Hank Williams-associated “Lovesick Blues” are a grabber, no matter how many other versions you’ve heard.
I love this CD...so much fun, catchy, great vocals. I agree the female vocals are spot on, and you can't help but dance to every song. I hope peole give it a listen. Sometimes we just need to hear something fun...the best songs for me are Let Me Go, Whipped(love this and its is funny), and Be My Radio(I think this song would blow up if given some national exposure).
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I love this CD...so much fun, catchy, great vocals. I agree the female vocals are spot on, and you can't help but dance to every song. I hope peole give it a listen. Sometimes we just need to hear something fun...the best songs for me are Let Me Go, Whipped(love this and its is funny), and Be My Radio(I think this song would blow up if given some national exposure).