You already know Los Angeles native Luther Russell from his years as a hard-working guitarist/singer with The Freewheelers. his solo efforts and with Jody Stephens in the duo Those Pretty Wrongs. You know he’s got a formidable back catalog of work and he’s now about to deliver his newest album of fresh material, the cleverly-titled Medium Cool. Filled with nothing but pure rock & roll, it’s just the right elixir in a time when we’re swimming through mediocrity.
Starting with the very Radio City-esque “Deep Feelings”, Mr. Russell nails down a very deft Alex Chilton imitation, both vocally and arrangement-wise and there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever. I love the texture of the milky-sounding guitars, bass and drums – stripped down, crisp and clean; a “live” room sound and vocal balanced just right with the music; “The Sound Of Rock & Roll” has the feel of another Chilton disciple, Paul Westerberg – the balance of acoustic melancholia elevated by a full band kicking in isn’t dissimilar to “Unsatisfied” and, as I am wont to say, in a just world, this would be all over the radio as “Sad Lady” is a very ’70’s “get down”/boogie vibe – groove and vibrancy push this track with a classic fist-pumping tempo and arrangement and is one of the album’s highlights. “Talking To Myself” is a brilliant, melodic break-up/torture/self-analysis (listen to the lyrics) not without some wry humor and “At Your Feet” is simple sweetness – just Mr. Russell’s emotional vocal and his acoustic guitar – until the minute mark, when a brief string section enters and a lightly pulsing bass helps carry the song to its conclusion.
Ten songs is a perfect balance and this gathering of songs work beautifully with one another. Luther Russell brings it all on Medium Cool, but leaves you wanting more, which is always best. And this album is maximum good.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Medium Cool will be released on Friday, February 22nd, 2019