Description
The second volume of an impressive two-part label debut, Mashed Potato Records Vol II is a 12-track compilation featuring a rotating cast of outstanding New Orleans-based songwriters. Recorded over a 40 day stretch, often using combinations of the same highly versatile session players (including members of The Deslondes and Tuba Skinny), there is a distinct energy, aesthetic, and feel permeating the compilation. Jackson and the Janks open Vol II with the raw, timeless, R&B original, “Stumblin’�, the centerpiece of which is Jackson Lynch’s remarkably commanding vocal performance. In Carver Baronda’s haunting “If Nothing Else Comes Along�, garage rock and pop hooks meet the spooky side of ‘50s country, with a crying steel guitar contrasting vocals that deliver a devastating lament with eerie stoicism. The Lostines’ “It’s Been Wrong�, a lyrically dark yet musically upbeat ‘60s girl-group inspired pop song with wailing back-up vocals, is an excellent example of the kind of timeless songwriting and outstanding vocal performances found throughout the compilation. Recorded with a vintage analog home studio set-up, Vol II is a higher fidelity, fuller-sounding evolution away from the Americana field-recording spirit of Vol I, and likewise the featured artists have evolved to each truly own their artistic voices as songwriters here. From Basement Tapes-influenced folk-rock to lamenting lullabies, original instrumental jazz to droney indie-rock, Mashed Potato Records Vol II captures the evolution of a remarkable group of artists.
