The Be Good Tanyas - Hello Love

Genre rock Publisher Nettwerk Records External Links Official The Be Good Tanyas Website Official Nettwerk Records Website

The voice's ability to recall a particular place or situation is just one of those invaluable qualities that bring us back to certain artists. Over the course of three albums, The Be Good Tanyas have helped to bolster this truth, while carving out their own brand of neo-traditional mountain music. Whether they're finding new life in the songs of others, summoning the ghosts of a century old standard, or pinning their own heartfelt originals to their sleeves, the voice is always center stage.

Hello Love, much like their previous efforts, is a mixture of those gently handled covers and excellent originals. Unlike some musicians who flesh out their records in a similar manner, the Tanyas' own songwriting holds up wonderfully against songs by Neil Young, Dolly Parton, and Mississippi John Hurt. Sometimes cracked, but always confident, the three female voices glide over traditional instrumentation that includes mandolin, banjo, and a bit of piano, which is used to great effect for a gorgeous, cello backed rendition of Parton's "Song For R". From the music down to some lyrical tidbits, this seems to be a more hopeful affair, after it's relatively desolate predecessor, Chinatown. By the end of the opening track, they've already asked "would you shake it like you've never done before?" With that said, this is no big departure, and there's no mistaking this for a Be Good Tanyas release. This consistency in sound is comforting, yet one can't help but wonder what the future holds in terms of progression. If the group wasn't so damned good at keeping their old-timey music sounding fresh, this concern would probably linger a bit longer. For now though, let's enjoy this great album and the timeless voices helping to develop tomorrow's memories.