Roll
Like countrywomanKasey Chambers, Australian Anne McCue has brought modern American roots music back toward its source. Resounding with little more than rocking guitar and a tight rhythm section,Rolldoes just what the title says, cruising along with the sense of swing that distinguishes great rock & roll from its often more leaden relative, rock. Perhaps in tribute to McCue's staunchest supporter, theLucinda Williams-styled "I Want You Back" opens the proceedings. Two tracks down the road comes the even better "Stupid," an infectious warning against listening too hard to others opinions, a track that is destined to be a mainstay of AAA radio. This is as varied, insightful, melodic, and just plain listenable a collection of compositions as you are likely to hear in 2004--expect coverage by other artists. Though assaying aHendrixtune ("Machine Gun") at this stage of her technical development might be hubris, her guitar work in general is unfailingly interesting, appropriate, and tonally luxurious. Anne McCue is definitely one to watch.--Michael Ross