Customer Reviews

Southside Sessions

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Charlie Sexton and Shannon McNally have created one of the most soulful and charming pieces of music to see the light of day in 2006. Throughout the album one is reminded of the trail that Bonnie and Delaney blazed upon with "Motel Shot" and "Homecoming" in the late 60's.

Enjoyable, heart inflected music for those who seek solace in homestyle soul and real music for unreal times.

This is one of those recordings that's low-key, quiet at first but builds up a tidal wave of emotion eventually sweeping over you and demanding your attention. But fear not, you'll be smiling and tapping your foot rather than gasping for air! It's definitely a Charlie Sexton production since he plays most of the instruments and his vocals are prominent in several of the songs. It's somewhat more straight-ahead Americana than Shannon's usual funky, bluesy/rootsy stuff. I sure hope they tour together as a followup to this CD, because it would be a beautiful thing.

I have been a fan of the music of Charlie Sexton and also Shannon McNally. It was odd to see them hook up and work on an album together. Sexton had been touring with Bob Dylan for a while. He released a album last year himself. They were on the same label and they toured together. So some new collaboration was bound to happen. Here it is. In a year with a bunch of musical crossed stars, with Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, here is another quality album. It's short. Only seven songs. "Nothing Mysterious" is an old Sexton song where they both sing together. McNally sings solo on "Old Cypress Tree." They do a cover of a song by Townes Van Zandt. This is a very good record. I look forward to more from these artists.

I am right now listening to Southside Sessions, by Shannon McNally and Charlie Sexton, even though the impolitely named Cd tells it the wrong way.. Always thought women should come first. But I suppose that's because Sexton's hailed as the bigger 'star' here. At least by the Record company, I guess..

Well, I am disagreeing.. not about who's the star between the two. They don't, most probably, care about it :) ... and so do I. (But I do think they are great poets.) I am disagreeing about the label 'EP' I read about on the Internet. It's unfair. It runs 7 songs. So did thousands of 'LPs', back in the vinyl days. There was a time when eight songs were the standard for a decent recording. And those were the time when a successful record would generate 2 hits.. and the rest would be a bunch of not so nice songs that sometimes would not even fit as 'B'sides for the '45 records.

Southside Sessions feature seven (and I like that number) really likeable pieces of music. The songs catch the ear at the very first listening. Even before I listened to, or read, the words the pair sung with attitude that wasn't aiming at selling millions, I liked the album. I had read about it being some sort of cd recorded from someone's back porch on a Sunday afternoon.. Poor pun that was from several reviews (a lot, in fact).. that almost prevented me from purchasing the cd. But then, I liked the idea. A cd from Buddy Guy was also described in really similar way a few years ago, and there was not a single song I didn't like there too.

I knew nothing about Shannon McNally before reading about this cd. I downloaded 'Old Cypress Tree' from her web page, and ordered her 2 other solo BPR cds along with this one. I am glad I did. I didn't even realise since quite recently that Old Cypress Tree was featured here.. I would just take the cds every time I had to drive and listen to them. This one was my instant favourite, until I got to appreciate the other cds too. It was becoming hard to decide which one to listen to, and when. And then I noticed the bare feet, jeans, and rugs on the back picture. From then on, I listen to this cd in my room almost exclusively.. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I look for it and pop it in the cd player. Nothing else goes these days. Or nights, should I say.

I don't know why.. These things happen. Like listening to Neil Young's 'Harvest' on Sunday mornings, or listening to Tom Waits' 'Blue Valentine' on every Valentine's Day morning. The latter is NOT a very good choice for a love song on a 14th of April, but I have come to believe that once in a while, the music chooses it's listener. I'm glad when it chooses not to leave.

They can't be bad songs when they stick with you for so long. I just wish I get to listen to records that are as nice as this one more often.. And 'No place to fall' sounds so much like a prayer..

I used 'Old Cypress Tree' as the alarm ring on my phone and was late every morning..

This is on my blog, and I thought I should try to get the World to know too..

Peace to your ears

Comme à la Maison

Hors-Saison

Geronimo

I've been a fan of Charlie Sexton and Shannon Mcnally for awhile now and love their solo albums and this new collaboration is one of the most beautiful cds that I've ever bought. The song Biloxi alone is worth the price. One of the most gorgeous songs I've ever heard.

I have been a fan of Charlie Sexton's for a long time. This is the first time I had heard Shannon McNally. The combination of their two voices is hauntingly beautiful and creates a mood of longing and sweet saddness perfect for relaxing on a rainy day. I love it!

No revelations here from Sexton: and very much a marking time set of songs, to establish a point on his trajectory. The best things aren't his, but the Van Zandt and the Winchester covers. In fact,'Biloxi' is pretty damned good and the only song which I can really take McNally's countrified twang, which just doesn't fit the depth that Charlie has invoked over the years. 'Biloxi'is a magical song, one of Winchester's host of evocative pieces. Some of the Todd Rudgren percussive effects reappear in Charlie's version, but its a richer, rockier fare. I hope the general tone of this Extended Play doesn't imply a leaning towards cliche on his part, a mid-career ennui. The coals glimmer on the final two songs,'Born' and 'I'd Do The Same For You' where Charlie steps inside the songs and pushes the throttle to the floor.

I had no expectations of this album, having only seen Charlie Sexton on tour with Dylan. So, he could punch holes in the walls of big venue with a Telecaster, but could he turn out a journeyman studio product? Almost. This album is a good example of what happens when people of limited ability don't write from charts - it conveys the impression of depth with words which are actually complete gibberish. Apparently, when Charlie played those many gigs with Dylan, he wasn't listening to the lyrics. Musically, this is strong work, with visceral punch, well produced, mixed, and mastered. The vocals stand out where they should, blend where they need to, and never get eaten by the production. Everyone has to cover master songsmith VanZandt these days, and they certainly picked a good one with "No Place To Fall". McNally has the range, power, and maturity to pull if off convincingly. This would have been a stronger album with more of what Charlie does best - guitar work.

It's too long for the self-described EP and too short for an LP. Two covers out of five songs and they're the best. The arrangement is okay, but I'd rather hear more of Sexton's guitar. Overall, I could have kept with my originals of the two covers and been happy. This one may be destined for the used CD store.