Soaring solos from Thompson on ‘Electric’

Richard Thompson
“Electric”
(New West Records)

On “Electric,” Richard Thompson plugs in and delivers his most generous helping of guitar solos in many years, perhaps ever. The fretwork is marvelous even by his lofty standards, and some credit for inspiration probably goes to producer Buddy Miller, a fair picker himself.

While Thompson‘s notes come in a flurry, he has always been prolific as a composer, too, and here he serves up another solid batch of songs. He might get flagged for a late hit on Sarah Palin with “Sally B,” but it rocks, as does “Stony Ground,” where unrequited love turns bloody. Otherwise, the body count’s lower than on most Thompson albums.

He‘s ably accompanied by his touring mates, drummer Michael Jerome and bassist Taras Prodaniuk, and the arrangements give the guitarist plenty of room to do his thing. Each time Thompson launches into one of his eclectic breaks, ``Electric’‘ becomes electrifying.

(AP)


Ashley Monroe displays Dolly-sized persona

Ashley Monroe
“Like a Rose”
(Warner Bros.)

“You Ain’t Dolly (And You Ain‘t Porter),” a single from Ashley Monroe’s album, “Like a Rose,” finds her trading tongue-in-cheek lines with country star Blake Shelton on a witty duet soaked in Nashville traditions.

Despite what the lyrics contend, Monroe shares many traits with Dolly Parton. She comes from a struggling family in East Tennessee. She sings in a fetching, tender-yet-strong warble. She writes story-songs steeped in real-life drama, yet with a sunny underpinning. And she has a natural, down-home charisma that shines through on everything she does.

A member of the Pistol Annies, Monroe‘s big-name supporters are many: Vince Gill co-produced her album and she’s already collaborated with Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, Wanda Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Jack White, Dwight Yoakam and the rock band Train. No wonder “Like a Rose” has the audacious sound of a newcomer whose talent is already in full bloom.

(AP)


OneRepublic thrives on 3rd album ‘Native’

OneRepublic
“Native”
(Mosley Music Group/Interscope Records)

OneRepublic continues to show that the group‘s musical rapport is as strong as ever on their third album, “Native.”

Frontman Ryan Tedder’s falsetto is superb throughout the new offering, which bleeds with emotion and substance. He and his four bandmates are completely in sync.

Tedder, who has written and produced singles for music‘s biggest acts, from Adele to Beyonce, shines with star appeal alongside a variety of instruments that are smoothly intertwined, ranging from the acoustic guitar to drums. The 12-track album is filled with refreshing and catchy songs: That’s certainly evident when the album kicks off with the well-crafted opening track, “Counting Stars,” and first single, “If I Lose Myself,” co-produced by hit-maker Benny Blanco.

“Preacher” has Tedder reflecting on the days of his childhood, recalling how his life was infused with wisdom by his grandfather, who was a pastor. Tedder‘s voice also touches the soul on midtempo tracks like “Burning Bridges,” the Jeff Bhasker-assisted “Can’t Stop” and “Don‘t Look Down.”

(AP)