Album review: Americana hybrid Lullabyes and Goodbyes by Bag Lady
New Jersey has produced many of our most notoriously exemplar songwriters. Much of the music from the Garden State is associated with the working-class, the common individual. Trevor O’Connor of Bag Lady, uprooted from New Jersey to claim Austin as home, brought elements of that New Jersey music to the Lone Star State.
His debut LP, Lullabyes & Goodbyes is comprised of bluesy, Americana songwriting juxtaposed with upbeat funky melodies that seamlessly contrast well from the opening track. There is something sorrowful and touching, even uplifting when the various elements come together.
O’Connor’s prominent vocals propel the insightful songwriting The instrumentation benevolently accompanies heartfelt emotion. What is both awe-inspiring and sympathetic within the lines of each number, is how the songwriter designs a composition that personifies a deep appreciation of life. The theme of companionship and fear of letting down those you love is evident through the reverberating refrains. Moving lyrics met with catchy melodies resonate as intriguing vocals engage throughout the LP.
Bag Lady puts it all out there in a poetic frenzy of upbeat, bluesy tunes. “Untitled(Uke Song)” is a standout track, meshing nicely with the follow-up “Good Man.” The inertia of Lullabies & Goodbyes naturally beckons, culminating with the capstone “6 Pack Blues,” a fun, witty track that plucks poignancy while maintaining memorable singalong characteristics.
The expulsion human flaw, regret and fear of loss layers each track in a manner revelatory and refreshing throughout the progression of the record. A sentimental sensation is well-established from the start and brews through bubbly discourse as the soulful album advances.
This is an Austin album…a Texas album; it’s a New Jersey album; it is an everywhere, and everyone album. There is nothing pretentious or ironic about it, it’s just great rock ‘n roll.
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