PEGI YOUNG & THE SURVIVORS

Bracing for Impact

[Vapor Records]

Pegi Young’s late-blooming musical career continues to evolve apace, as her third solo release features a rootsier, bluesier sound than earlier efforts. “Flatline Mama” is a lively tune done up in a ’50s rock ’n’ roll vein, while the gritty, bluesy edge on tunes like “Med Line” and “Gonna Walk Away” recalls Bonnie Raitt. Young convincingly serves up the soul on “Trouble in a Bottle” and the sublime cover of Danny Whitten’s “I Don’t Want to Talk About It.” The latter is one of several connections to Young’s noted husband, Neil, who plays guitar and harmonica on a couple of tracks as well as contributing the fun stomper “Doghouse.” But this is Pegi’s show, and she acquits herself well. At times her voice gets a little lost—the guitar solo overpowers her on “No Heartbeat Sounds.” But this remains a strong set that finds Young delving into personal struggles and domestic blues with a powerful sense of worldly wisdom. –Michael Berick

comment closed

Copyright © 2012 M Music & Musicians Magazine ·