Gina Villalobos - Rock 'n' Roll Pony
by Andrew Carver
published: 25 / 1 / 2005
Label:
Laughing Outlaw
Format: CD
intro
Luscious, rueful country rock on second album from latest Laughing Oulaw signing, Gina Villalobos
Opening with a luscious burst of pedal steel, Gina Villalobos’ second album is a burnished and rueful collection of country rock hurtin’ tunes. Anyone with a fondness for Tom Petty will probably enjoy 'Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony', not so much for the sound, since Gina Villalobos isn’t as rock as Petty, but for the tone of the lyrics and the peculiar combination of pain and hope that permeates them. (It’s easy to infer that the serious accident that blinded Villalobos in one eye while she was working on the album had its effect.) The muscular sound and polished production may turn off some alt-twang fans, and the cover of World Party’s 'Put The Message In The Box' might raise a few eyebrows, but be assured Gina Villalobos’ sophomore album is solid Americana through and through. Yes, a very enjoyable CD, but I must end my review with a complaint-cum-edict … I never … ever -- EVER! -- want to hear another song about California. Particularly not one called 'California' !!! I have officially reached my country-rock-songs-about-California saturation point. Really, if I hear another country-rock tune about the Golden State, I’m going to have an aneurysm. So sing about Idaho or something instead.
Track Listing:-
1 California2 Not Enough
3 Why
4 What I'd Give
5 We Got It Slow
6 Fooling Around
7 Put The Message In The Box
8 I'm Alright
9 So Much For Dying
10 Faded
11 Trying To Find You
12 Cant' Come Down
Label Links:-
http://www.laughingoutlaw.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/laughingoutlawrecordsandmanagement
https://laughingoutlaw.bandcamp.com/
interviews |
|
Interview (2005) |
|
| Gina Villalobos' album 'Rock and Roll Pony' has earned her folk artist status, but also has roots in country and rock. She talks to Sarah Johnson about the accident which damaged and nearly lost her her sight, depression and her plans for her next record |
reviews |
|
Can't Find My Way Home (2008) |
|
| Superb cover on new download only single from honeyed-voiced Californian musician Gina Villalobos, who takes Steve Winwood's classic song and makes it her own |
| Miles Away (2006) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Spear Of Destiny - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Pistol Daisys - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Gary Numan - Berserker
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Roberta Flack - 1937 - 2025
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleGarbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Little Simz - Lotus
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
HAIM - I Quit
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart