Videos by American Songwriter
Eleni Mandell
Dark Lights Up
(Yep Roc)
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Many established artists try to stay current by adding newer techniques into their music, but as Eleni Mandell tells us on the opening track to her 10th release, āIām Old Fashioned.ā She then proves it on a dozen sweet tunes, many of which seem like they could have been penned in the 30s and 40s, all acoustic and performed live in the studio.
Apparently inspired by the simplicity of Roger Millerās recordings, Eleni and co-producer Sheldon Gomberg cut the songs in four days, keeping the vibe open and flowing. The attitude is fun, frisky and uncluttered, spotlighting Mandellās supple voice and the jazzy underpinnings that have always played a supporting role in her recordings. She combines that with country, pop and a decidedly retro, somewhat childlike, style that goes down easy. Even darker titles such as āTown Called Heartacheā glide by with the ease and grace of countrypolitan at its most innocent. āButter Blonde and Chocolate Brownā and āMagic Pair of Shoesā are enticing in their purity and sheer joy of music that feels organic, unforced and entirely natural. Humorous songs such as āIf You Wanna Get Kissedā are wonderfully underplayed with playful lyrics perfect for kids of all ages.
Many of these, especially the spirited āCold Snap,ā would make logical additions to the Patsy Cline catalog, another country singer who embraced simplicity. And the subtle jazz noir of āChina Garden Buffetā seems like something Elvis Costello might have written in his āAlmost Blueā period. When the lyrics turn serious, as they do on the reflection of age in āOld Lady,ā the grace and sweetness of the music keeps it appropriate for lazy Sunday mornings sipping coffee.
Mandell has never worked in territory this consistently honeyed and lovely, so if the groove becomes a bit repetitious over 40 minutes, itās still tough not to appreciate the craft and delightful vocal nuances that make this such a pleasure. Those looking for an edgier approach can cherry pick from her previous albums and leave the rest to enjoy the moon-June-spoon vibe of Dark Lights Up that sweeps us away to a calmer, simpler time.