Good News from The West Vol.3

I'm a bit behind schedule on this, but sure when am I not. For those of you new to the blog, think of this as a monthly digest of what's sounding good (well according to my tastes) from the U.S. right now. This week’s episode is brought to you by women. Yes it’s a ladies making music special.

Pony Boy

"I need you like a bullet in the head". I think you should read that again, slowly "I need you like a bullet in the head". That has to be one of the best, most bitter lines I've ever heard in a song.I posted the beautiful video for "Saints & Liars" on the Facebook page already but it’s worth coming back to Pony Boy. Pony Boy is Marchelle Bradanini who while not producing solid raw americana blues, dj's as half of Pony Vs Tiger and was a member of a dance/rock/funk band Bedtime for Toys. I think she has found her sound now though. I've been listening to her music for the last few weeks and its great stuff. The songs are downbeat, bluesy and if not heart-aching, angry. Just don't expect to be in the mood to whistle to birds or skip through a meadow afterwards. "The murder ballad of Carrie Lee" is an exception, a real jaunty country number. You can listen to all her tracks on the website here where you can also get a download of "Saints and Liars" or check the Soundcloud and the facebook.

Kaleigh Baker

Continuing the musical theme of bluesy country soul, Kaleigh Baker must have the most hard hitting, powerful, bluesy voice I have heard in quite a while. She released the "Weight of it All" E.P last year and it is full of this stuff. "Train Gone By" is my particular favourite, bluesy intro that slowly builds up into a gospel sounding piece of longing and where you can really hear the full extent of that low husky, almost baritone voice. The title track of the E.P is a slow, thoughtful slice of soul. You can listen to the EP below and buy it on Bandcamp.

Gin Wigmore

While we are on a role while straying a bit left of field, Gin Wigmore is another lady who makes music that makes me feel slightly intimidated. Born as Virginia Claire Wigmore, hailing from New Zealand, Gin is a purveyor of gothic bluesy inspired pop. She has a very distinctive voice. I am trying to think of whom her voice reminds me of. The closest I can get to is a radio friendly Björk. Anyway check out the great single "Black Sheep" below. It contains the brilliant suggestive lyric "Once you go black, you never go back". For more info, the site is a handy place to start.

Lydia Loveless

The sound of a real country woman! I thought to include the cover art of the album to give you a real idea of what to expect from Lydia Loveless. Herself grew up in a country music bar so it should be no surprise that she is making straight down the line americana rock. What is a bit of a surprise is that she co-produced and wrote the debut album "Indestructible Machine” at the age of 21. Impressive. You can sample and buy the album here and check her website out as well.