Album Reviews

KEN STRINGFELLOW
Touched
(Manifesto)
Seattle's Ken Stringfellow has proven himself a master tunesmith for over a decade as half of the brain trust of the Posies, perhaps the greatest power pop band of the last decade. His writing and singing have always struck a perfect balance between craft and passion, and he continues the trend with his second solo album Touched. Interestingly, he shies away from the brash, bright sound of his band for a more subdued approach, singing modestly and keeping the arrangements sparse. Stringfellow quietly examines the clogs in the arteries of the heart in delicate ballads like "Fireflies" and "One Morning" as well as charming midtempo numbers like "This One's On You," "Down Like Me" and the stunning "Reveal Love." He also revisits "Here's to the Future," from his uneven solo debut This Sounds Like Goodbye, giving it the polish it always deserved. The only song on which he really shakes the dust off his amp is the widescreen "Spanish Waltz;" otherwise, he stays low-key. Rather than hit you over the head with hooks, he prefers to make you work a bit, but the effort will be amply rewarded. Produced by Mitch Easter, Touched is an ideal marriage of deep feeling and sharp songcraft. Michael Toland [buy it]

For fans of: Elliott Smith, Stew, Michael Penn

SOUNDTRACK
The Thrillbillys
(Planetary)
The soundtrack to "a moonshine fueled rampage of revenge" from writer/director Jim Stramel, The Thrillbillys collects new and previously released tracks from some of the ruder contemporary alternative country/roots rock bands, the ones that triple-A radio won't touch and Wilco would never consider taking on tour. The biggest names here are the Drive-By Truckers, who ante up their tribute to "Steve McQueen" and "The Southern Thing," a rock-hard anthem drawn from their Southern Rock Opera, and NYC's Lancaster County Prison, who contribute their mission statement "Fat, Old, Drunk, and Proud." Elsewhere, Split Lip Rayfield's Kirk Rundstrom picks "Whiskey's Gone" and "Wicked Savior," both of which outshine anything he's ever done with his band, while newcomers the Shiners (members of whom appear in the film) do "Crow Holler" and the Confederate Army anthem "I'm a Good Ol' Rebel." Pop/punkers Channel 43 roar through the Pegboy-like "Goldcart Syndicate," Trailer Bride offers their oldie "Work on the Railroad" and Used Carlotta croons "Reckless Wheels." The MVP award goes to Angry Johnny & the Killbillies; not only do their songs "Last Rebellion" and "All American Girl" highlight the soundtrack, but Johnny himself appears in the film. Like the movie, the performers walk a fine line between camp and conviction and for the most part keep their balance. The Thrillbillys is more fun than shootin' Yankees by the still. Michael Toland [buy it]

For fans of: the rowdier side of the Americana movement