The Nashville Feed

Shane Alexander (MySpace) sent me (and a few of my friends, as it turns out) a message on MySpace regarding his upcoming show at the Lipstick Lounge this Sunday. Somehow, in the blur of messages that ensued, I agreed to give his newest album, "Stargazer," a listen. If I deemed it worthy, I would plug his show.

After all, it will be his very first time in Nashville. I felt bad for him. There are a lot of good shows that night.

After listening to the album, I would like to announce that Shane Alexander is totally plug-worthy.

Alexander has some great session musicians on the record, and the very name-dropping of the stars they've worked with would make my sense of decency crumple under the weight. You can read all about it if you click on the links I gave you.

Alexander didn't waste any time recording the album, sealing the deal in four days. Maybe this is why the album itself doesn't waste any time getting started. The first track, "Spaces in Between," starts out with a tight beat and a sweet melody. This sets the precedent for the rest of the album, save for folky treats like "Big Red Love" and "Front Porch Serenade."

Almost immediately, I thought, "wow, he reminds me of Jack Johnson." It's not that he relies on a Jack Johnson brand of sound, but he does have that same rich and sweet vocal quality. There are also a lot of references to the ocean on this album, but they are right where they belong. The album itself rolls in and out, and it will carry you away if you'll let it.

Lyrically, Alexander has a few stories to tell. He's not so much in the raw emotion business as he is in the story-weaving business.

At first listen, not all of the stories provide an easy access point.

This is where the music and the genius comes in. It slinks around until it finds an entry point, usually right around the heart somewhere. Once you, the listener, let the music wear you down, you'll find that it bridges the gaps between Alexander and you. It's a lifeline, and it pulls you in to listening range, to a place where you're ready to hear what must be said.

So, Shane, Welcome to Nashville. "Stargazer" has passed the test. It's a good album. At times it's folky, at times it's poppy, at times it has organ, and at times it's straight dreamy. It's a great driving album, a great napping album, and even a great "sunny day in Nashville" album.

Anyway, on to the plug. You know you can't get into the sold out James Morrison show like me, so why not hit this one?

What: Shane Alexander and Rachel Pearl (MySpace) (looks like she will be a treat, too... just heard of her tonight)
When: Sunday, April 15, 8:00 pm
Where: The Lipstick Lounge, East Nashville
Cost: $6.00

P.S. Shane told me that the songs on the album are licensed for television. I'm gonna go ahead and claim "Shipwrecked" for Grey's Anatomy.

Oh yeah. It's like that.
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Technorati Tags: albums, lipstick lounge, live music, Nashville, shane alexander, reviews, songwriters

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