Search - Nancy Apple :: Shoulda Lied About That

Twangy Memphis alt-country/Americana

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 01/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Memphis has a long tradition as a melting pot of different musical styles, so it never surprises me that singers raised there record music that includes many different influences. Nancy Apple's music is rooted in country but she can rock'n'roll and she can also sound very bluesy when the song suits. These are qualities she shares with the most famous Memphis singer of them all but Nancy's music is very different. Her voice has plenty of twang, which may not suit everybody but I love it.Nancy is a multi-instrumentalist - on this album, she plays acoustic guitar, harmonica, accordion and tambourine. I believe she can also play drums but James Cunningham plays the drums on this album. Jay Harrington (electric guitar) and Ronnie Vandiver (bass) are the other main instrumentalists, though Ronnie also plays piano and guitar on some tracks.The songs offer plenty of variety. This time around is a mid-tempo bluesy country song. Mama's stories remembers the past. Fruit of the vine is an amusing song about the consequences of drinking. The kind to break my heart is mid-tempo with a touch of rock'n'roll). Same old thing is more upbeat. Shoulda lied about that is a bluesy ballad. Queen of country is a typical country ballad about an unknown singer. Cookin' good is a slice of hillbilly rock'n'roll. My boyfriend is very funny. The outlaw is a western song complete with yodelling. Angel fire is a great traditional country story song. Have mercy is a mid-tempo bluesy country song, Hard luck 'n old dogs is another traditional country song. The set is completed by another versions of Fruit of the vine.Nancy's music is too eclectic for her ever to become a major star in today's music scene but if you are interested in alt-country and Americana and you like her twangy voice, this is for you."