Hello Love - The Be Good Tanyas
When the Be Good Tanyas released their heralded debut disc, Blue Horse, in 2000, much of the magic came from the discovery of a talented new group whose whole was stronger than the sum of its parts–especially in the unique harmonies and mature songwriting skills. When it comes to their third disc, Hello Love, the subtle delights are all there, from the goose-bump creating vocals of co-frontwoman Frazey Ford on the title track, to the trio’s bluegrass-laden instrumentation (”Little Blues” “Crow Waltz”), which provides listeners with an invitation to a Be Goods back porch jam. As is the band’s way, there is an abundance of compelling cover tunes, from a Tanya-esque take on Neil Young’s “For the Turnstiles” to a revisit of the underappreciated Sean Hayes’s “Thousand Tiny Pieces.” The originals, however, stand up equally well; highlights include “Ootischenia” and “Song for R.” While the trio hasn’t managed to outshine their spectacular debut, Hello Love is a CD filled with cross-generational charm and musical riches. –Denise Sheppard
