Sally Crewe & the Sudden Moves
(8-Track Mind Records)
Sally Crewe left her native U.K. several year back and landed in Austin Texas. After a strong debut, (2003's awesomely named Drive It Like You Stole It) she came back strong with a fuller sound (including keyboards) on her 2005 sophomore effort, Shortly After Take Off. On record number three she goes for a more stripped down sound and with a terrific, obedient rhythm section (including Dumptruck's George Duron on drums and Matt Babb on bass) who seem to be able to do whatever it is she asks ("Ummm, can you guys play "No Dancing" backwards in 3-4 time?" , "Why, of course Sally") they pump out a baker's dozen of winners on here. Crewe has that sort of spunk and charisma.
The record starts off strong with cool, jittery energy of the title track and while the next couple of tunes were decent -to-good it's on song number 4, "Sleepyhead" where Crewe and company reel off a clutch of superb tunes. That song could/should be the single while the next cut "How Can People Wear That Stuff", has an opening guitar riff worthy of anything off Vs. and "Looks Fast For a Reason", arguably the record's best song, has some to-die-for hooks and shows Sally stretching her vocals chords to full effect. The second half of the record is just as durable and with the strength of the songs and Crewe's confidence it's no wonder bands like Mission of Burma, The Wedding Present and Spoon have chosen her as an opener on their tours. The car door is open and the keys are in it, what are you waiting for? Just take off man! Late breaking news: pop maestro Tommy Keene will be playing bass for the Sudden Moves on the upcoming U.K. tour.
Standout Tracks: "Sleepyhead", "Looks Fast For a Reason", "Magnet" TIM HINELY
