File under: beautiful discoveries. I don’t know a whole lot about the band Hurray for the Riff Raff. I know that they’re from New Orleans and that this is their first record. More importantly, I know that their songs are beautiful, built from broke-down banjo and centered on Alynda Lee’s gorgeous, aching voice. It’s almost like the “sister” to the Strand of Oaks record I’ve been so gung-ho on. Lee’s voice is dark and dusky — fans of She Keeps Bees, Heartless Bastards and even Cat Power will find a lot to love here.
I should also add that this dalliance with country and folk is wholly new and surprising for me. Is this what I’ve been missing, spending so much time with twee and reggae? Shame on me!
I totally agree. I discovered this record on Amie Street, and I just love it. This is not at all typical for country or folk music, though certainly there are some terrific artists in these genres. But Hurray for the Riff Raff is head and shoulders above anything I’ve heard. The songwriting is perfect, the minimalistic delivery really works, and her voice is amazing. They should have a major label contract.
Alynda’s also a member of the New Orleans folk marching band collective Why Are We Building Such a Big Ship? I’ve had my fingers crossed that they’ll show up on Emu for a while now.
I like this better than Strands. It has a lovely light folk sound.