Hiss Golden Messenger (MC Taylor) has had a pretty good year with the reissue of a lost album – 2010’s Bad Debt – and a new release, Lateness of Dancers, his most polished and melodic album to date. The album was inspired by and title was taken from a short story by the American novelist Eudora Welty, and the ten tracks emanate a southern warmth, from Taylor’s nasal vocals which are reminiscent of Tom Petty, to the styles which include country-rock, folk, and Appalachian music. This time Taylor is accompanied by longstanding partner Scott Hirsch (bass), Terry Lonergan (drums), William Tyler (guitar), Alexandra Sauser-Monnig (vocals) and Megafaun’s Phil and Brad Cook. Standouts from the set include: the rocker “I’m a Raven (Shake Children)”, the country waltz “Black Dog Wind (Rose of Roses)”, the stellar “Southern Grammar”, and the toe tapping closer “Drum.” Lateness of Dancers is easily one of the best releases of the year, and Hiss Golden Messenger’s best work yet. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | The Court and Spark, Golden Gunn, Steve Gunn, Mount Moriah, William Tyler