Every so often, I come upon an album that I just cannot stop playing on iTunes. Usually, I rediscover an artist I already knew I loved (e.g. Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Amy Grant, etc.) but Liv Taylor is totally new to me. It’s cheating a little I suppose because he is so much like his brother, James, whose music I listen to regularly, but Livingston is still a brand new find.
Liv’s latest album is Last Alaska Moon and it is wonderful. It’s not going to win any Grammys (which is probably a good thing since I think the music industry today is just awful…see previous post) but it’s good for a lovely and relaxing listen. The tunes are simple and predictable; I believe my dad described them as “Americana bluegrass,” an apt description in my humble opinion. With such titles as “I’m in a Pickle” and “I’m Letting the Whiskey do my Talking,” it’s hard not to be charmed by the songs and lyrics.
Although Liv’s voice sounds very much like big brother James’s, the distinction between them is evident. I consider James Taylor to be pretty much the best there’s ever been in the music business and even his own blood relatives don’t match his talent. It’s evident, however, that both musicians (and possibly their three siblings) draw inspiration from the Tar Heel State. There’s a track on Last Alaska Moon devoted to the first flight called “Kitty Hawk.” Liv also included a song called “Call me Carolina” on this album and I pity the deprived soul who’s never had the pleasure of hearing James’s “Carolina in my Mind.”
If this album was not readily available in the public library, I would consider purchasing it. I like it that much. I don’t think this music will be bumped from my Top Played list in iTunes until I start playing Christmas music. I recommend that you, my four readers, check Last Alaska Moon out of your library at your earliest convenience.
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