So says Jessica Lea Mayfield in that perfectly nonchalant drawl. Have a listen.
On the heels of her recent tours with The Black Keys, Band of Horses, Avett Brothers and Ray LaMontagne, Mayfield buckled down with the Keys' Dan Auerbach to create Tell Me. There's a lot of buzz around this new album, which came out just last week on Nonesuch. She's stepped out of her usual minimalistic singer-songwriter sound to create something more playful and cutting-edge. The production on Tell Me is precise; rootsy, dark and daring. With Auerbach on board as producer, engineer, guitarist and back-up vocalist, there's an undeniable chemistry born out of their partnership. He is clearly smitten with Mayfield's honest and gracefully dark songwriting, carefully enhancing the mood of each song with the most alluring sonic terrain. You can especially hear his influence in that signature "Black Keys-esque" guitar that tastefully infuses the songs with an added charm.
What strikes me most about this album is her vocals. They ring through so clean that we are privy to even the slightest shake. There is a vulnerability in her voice that is often lost in typical pop production. And that effortless drawl entices us to listen to the lyrics, which are so personal, at times it feels like we are reading from her diary.
Check out the title track for a pleasant use of xylophone and woodblock.
"Tell Me"
Tell Me provides the perfect soundtrack for this gloomy Fall day, though I'm sure it will be on replay for a long time to come.
Be sure to stop by her website for a free download of the single: http://www.jessicaleamayfield.com/
I'm in love with this!!! I just heard it on the show Parenthood, and I had to pause it right then and there and go find this song! She is sooo fantastic :]
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