How do they do it? By putting Chris Meyers' words in Hannah Prater's mouth. Prater's sweet, natural voice — a hybrid of Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis and Sixpence None The Richer's Leigh Nash — is a perfect vehicle for these songs. Her phrasing conveys weariness and disillusionment without falling completely into resignation or despair.
Though San Francisco and Birmingham get namechecked in song titles, it's hard to imagine this record being born anywhere but Nashville. Goodnight, San Francisco isn't a paint-by-numbers country record nor is it the country-pop en vogue with the young glitterati, but the same things you'd find at the core of an authentic country album can be found here.
There are great stories. There are confessionals that don't make you feel like you're listening to or reading vapid high school breakup poetry. The music is built with acoustic guitars and pianos, accented by steel guitar, mandolin, and violin. Prater imbues her words with just enough twang to her give her vocals a little tang. In other words, she's no "Redneck Woman."
12 songs and 48 minutes doesn't seem too much for a band to ask of a listener or for a listener to ask of an album, but the thing about humble, unassuming records is they often run out of steam before they've run their course. Goodnight, San Francisco is a lovely record worth repeated listens, but it doesn't quite hold your attention from the opening notes of "Wreck" through the final notes of hidden track "Fortunate Wind."
Even if it does lag slightly, this is a smart, rewarding record for listeners willing to step out just a little bit. Much like Dan Wilson's 2007 gem Free Life, Goodnight San Francisco is D.O.A. in the mainstream pop world. That isn't what makes this album great, but it does explain a lot.
Download the first single "Wreck."
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
a hybrid of Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis and Sixpence None The Richer's Leigh Nash
hoooboy, that is exactly right.
nice review josh. this one's on my list on the strength of the title track alone.
2 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Mark. I can't recommend this album enough. I love Hannah's vocals on this record.
To tide you over, be sure to download "Wreck." I know you hate MP3, but it will give you something to listen to until you can get a copy of the album. If you're anything like me, hearing the imperfect MP3 only puts me in more of a hurry to buy the album.
You also need to check out The Life You Always Wanted.
3 - Mat Brewster
Thanks for the download. That's a catchy little tune. Almost a little too Nashville for me, but still quite nice.
4 - Snyder
The only problem is the stolen name, maybe they were mostly known in Europe but these things filter through here and it wasn't that long ago to say the name is up for grabs:
Not that Arne isn't guilty a bit himself, but a couple of obscure singles from '65 /'66 is a little easier to miss than stuff from the internet age.
This seems to be a worsening trend, with Liverpool diving in the deepest: the Rascals & the Wombats? The lawyers are the only ones who win this crap.
5 - Josh Hathaway
Well if that's the only problem that's no problem at all. A Bittersweets by any other name would still sound as sweet. There are lots of side issues that, from time to time, can be interesting discussion but when all that is pushed aside it's the music that matters and Goodnight, San Francisco really delivers.
Sir Brewster, I'm astounded that you find this might be too Nashville for your liking. Best you listen 10-12 more times and correct your thinking.
6 - Josh Hathaway
I've been listening to this again this afternoon. I have to make sure this makes my Best of '08 list. There are some really great songs on this record.
7 - tink
Another great thing about indies is that the labels aren't so paranoid about their acts that they only let you hear snippets of tunes before making a purchase.
So I was pleased to find The Bittersweets had a home on MySpace. The band's pop-up standaloneplayer gives you a healthy dose of songs (including the song "Wreck" for those not into the mp3 download thang) to listen to and sink your teeth into.
Happier than finding them there is the fact that you've turned me onto some great new music.
THANKS!!
8 - Lisa Damian
"Glitterati" -- What a fantastic descrition. Did you coin the term, or procure it from someone else? Either way, I love it!
One of the best music reviews I've read in a while, by the way.
9 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Lisa, Tink. Lisa, I wish I could take credit for glitterati but it's not a term of my own making. I don't know where I first heard it, but it certainly seems appropriate.
Tink, I'm so glad you took the time to check out a few songs from the album. This has been one of the happiest finds of the year for me, too. It's definitely one to own.
Thanks to you both.
10 - Mary K. Williams
Not that there's anything wrong with a good jolt of 'rhythm music', but lately I'm hearing some gorgeous (most likely indie) stuff on film soundtracks. It makes me want a lot more.
Nice write up Josh
11 - Josh Hathaway
Sir Mary, if you want to hear gorgeous indie stuff this is for you! You need this album.