When I woke up yesterday morning, I had no idea who Rosalie Cunningham was. A few minutes into my third cup of coffee, I received a text from my friend, "Listen to 'Two Piece Puzzle.' I'm betting it will be the best thing you listen to today."
I listened. He won.
Maybe you're familiar with Rosalie Cunningham as a member of Ipso Factor or Purson. I was not. So I went into "Two Piece Puzzle" with zero expectations. I hadn't a clue as to what kind of music she'd be playing. Now that I've listened, it's still hard to nail, other than to say, the album sounded like a fresh creation; a Frankenstein monster pieced together from every record I loved and played to death from 1970-1980.
I say that in the best possible way.
What I heard on "Two Piece Puzzle" were sounds, melodies and inspiration from Fairport Convention and Genesis. Pink Floyd, both Syd-era and later. I heard a little bit of Macca's "Ram" and "Wild Life." I heard Procol Harum and Rush. Kate Bush. I heard The Move, specifically "Shazam." And yet, at no time did I feel like this record was some second rate pastiche or sneaky rewrite. The musicianship and the arranging will keep you on your toes. This record is one helluva ride.
I hope I didn't oversell it.
Here are a few tracks. There are a half dozen more if you dig these. Next up, will be her 2024 release, "To Shoot Another Day," though I may need another round of "Two Piece Puzzle" first"
(h/t hpunch)
13 comments:
she is often great. sometimes not so much.
I hear everything you described. What's not to love? She was a guest on a recent episode of The Strange Brew Podcast. https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/rosalie-cunningham/
It's nice to hear a woman sing without a breathy/girlie voice. I enjoyed Suck Push Bang Blow and Start With The Corners. The Liner Notes might grow on me. Duet is too long and drags in the middle. Worth giving the whole thing a spin.
- Paul in DK
I hear Monkberry Moon Delight in Duet. Love it.
Rosalie where have you been all my life? Thank you for this
This is very, very cool!
Always exciting when you get excited by new music! Checking it out
four releases at https://rosaliecunningham.bandcamp.com/album/to-shoot-another-day
Fun stuff! I imagine she'd be a blast to see in concert, too. As Nick Lowe would say, she's got those ragin' eyes.
Also, I hear a lot of Queen, BTW.
Rock as if punk never happened. Intriguing.
J. from Europe.
Thanks.
Parts of Start With The Corners remind me of the instrumentals on Extravaganza by Stackridge.
Okay -- that was definitely interesting.
Damn! You had me at the opening "howl"!
Post a Comment