Erin McKeown's new album, Hundreds of Lions, is something I've been anticipating for a while. Recorded without support from a major label on the front end, this is McKeown's first album of original music since 2005's We Will Become Like Birds and her first collaboration with Ani DiFranco's label, Righteous Babe.
One thing I really appreciate about McKeown as an artist is her capacity to challenge me as a listener. Her new album, Hundreds of Lions, is no exception. The creative freedom that comes from not having having major label support is evident from all of the risks that McKeown takes. And I, for one, dig it.
Always lyrically nimble, McKeown spends a lot of this album experimenting sonically. The first time through, the rich arrangements threw me. Strings, a drum machine, and birds all serve as accompaniment on tracks throughout the album.
Even with a more complex sound, McKeown is very meticulous in making sure that nothing is extraneous. And after a second listen, I could see that every instrument added a necessary layer of richness and depth to songs with inspired lyrics.
McKeown seems to have found a comfortable home among the songs she covered on Sing You Sinners. Though original tunes, standouts like To a Hammer, The Lions, and The Rascals all could've been covers of long-ago written standards. And McKeown shines when she's playing witty, carefully crafted songs with a vintage feel.
For my money, though, the best track is You, Sailor. Previously released on McKeown's live album, Lafayette, the studio version takes an already beautiful song and breathes new life into it.
It may take you more than one listen to crack through its shell, but I assure you that Hundreds of Lions is worth the work.
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