Yonkers, N.Y. (Train Wreck, 2009)
Chip Taylor
Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh
The packaging for the CD makes a great case for owning physical CDs over mere MP3 files. This release comes with two CDs - one disc is interspersed with spoken word stories, the other just has the songs. There is also a lovely booklet that contains plentiful pictures of Taylor's childhood family memories. Although many of these songs are quiet and thoughtful, Hey Jonny (Did You Feel That Movie) is upbeat, with a lyrical nod to Bill Haley & His Comets Rock Around The Clock.
Taylor sings each of these 11 songs with a sandpaper rough voice. But much like Kris Kristofferson - a similarly vocally challenged singer - Taylor makes up for these deficiencies with a tone that clearly belies his voice of experience. It also doesn't hurt to have Greg Leisz - whom he even calls out by name during No Dice - playing all over this recording. Traveling down memory lane with Taylor during Yonkers NY is a trip you won't soon forget.
CDs by Chip Taylor







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