Ya know, after reading some of the reviews for Shelby Lynne's new record Just A Little Lovin' (see post below), it's safe to say I don't have much to add to them. I think Lynne's tribute to Dusty Springfield is one of the most rewarding projects of its kind in a long, long time. I've been a fan of Shelby's for some time, but for my money, this is her best work. Her solo material is interesting and engaging, and she's always been a great vocalist, but her interpretations of these well-known songs are revelatory. Producer Phil Ramone might have produced his fair share of slick, tasteful (i.e. dull) recordings in the last few years (see Ray Charles' Genius Loves Company or Rod Stewart's Great American Songbook), but he's really hit this one out of the park. Some will complain that the spartan arrangements are too lean, but what Ramone and Lynne have done is put 100 percent of the focus her vocals, which dig deeply into this material and find each song's beating, aching heart.
More interesting yet will be whether Lost Highway can make a hit of this album. Based on the sheer number of banner ads I've seen for it on various websites, I'd say someone over there believes in it. Good for the label, and good for Lynne. Just A Little Lovin' deserves whatever accolades it receives and certainly whatever success it finds. Shelby Lynne has once again redefined her career, repeating a feat she first accomplished with I Am Shelby Lynne. Where Lynne goes from here will be an equally compelling story. Count me in.
UPDATE: I wanted to mention one further thing. If you do pick up Just A Little Lovin', let me suggest that you don't try to listen to the record while you're feeding the kid or loading the dishwasher. You're likely to miss some of the intricacies of Lynne's vocals and possibly dismiss the album as just more background music. I recommend dusting off your best pair of headphones and turning down the lights, maybe pour yourself a glass of wine and grab your favorite blanket. Maybe that is too much to ask these days, but I think this record is well worth the effort.
Oh, yeah, this record is sweet. What a beautiful voice. I tried to have it on in the background while reading the newspapers this morning, but finally put the papers down, closed my eyes and listened closely. Shelby didn't just read over the lyrics and sing these songs for a couple of takes. It sounds like she's lived and breathed them for a while. Sort of like how I think Billie Holiday dug deep into so many lyrics that she sang. And to think that when I was a kid and bought my first full-length record, it was a Bay City Rollers LP and I thought that they had written and first recorded "I Only Want To Be With You."
Posted by: John C | February 03, 2008 at 11:26 PM