Shannon Lyon - Summer Blonde

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

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This is the second UK release on the Toronto based Square Dog Records, the first one being the excellent 'Johnstown' by Oh Susanna. Shannon Lyon carries on the high standard set by that first release and also furthers Square Dog's standing as an upcoming label for alternative country releases. This is the second solo album by thirty year old Lyon although he has released eight albums during the last ten years as mainman of Strange Days and The International Harvesters. Lyon's take on alternative country embraces folk-rock and leans towards the country/acoustic sounds of Neil Young's 'Silver and Gold' at times. Comparisons are not easy when describing Lyon's music though. "I think it sounds like Shannon Lyon" he has said in an interview and he is right. 'Summer Blonde' stands alone, with traces of country, folk, rock and even blues being mixed into the alternative country sound and making it one of the most outstanding albums of recent times. Turning thirty seems to be a major subject for Lyon on this album. On 'Thirty Crosses' Lyon is in pursuit of love, having been on "this worn out road" since he was twenty, both his emotive vocals and excellent harmony vocals from guest singer Lisa Winn really hitting home. If Lisa Winn is a new name to you, check out her 'Mother Earth' CD if you get the chance. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, her heart-melting vocals are brilliant throughout this album. "I don't know where I'm going, but I know I'll be there soon" are the opening lyrics to the first track on the album, the breezy 'The Hobo Song'. I 've a feeling that Lyon knows exactly where he is heading if he continues making music as strong and real as this.The sublime melodies are coupled with such honest, heart-felt lyrics you will feel compelled to listen. But, if your mind should wander off somewhere when listening to this album, (which will be difficult as the whole album is captivating) then the beauty of Lyon and Winn harmonising will pull you back in. They really are that good. The stripped down sound of 'Trigger Down', just Lyon's guitar and harmonica combined with his vocals and Winn's gorgeous harmonies, is full of skilful lines like, "Some things you never lose, they only slip away" and, later in the same song, "If I had to give it all away I'd keep my dog and guitar and those memories of you". But it is not only in the lyrics which make this album a cut above the rest. The melodies are superb and the playing by Kim Deschamps on heart-breaking pedal steel is brilliant. Richard Buckner even adds some harmony vocals to 'Lake Huron'. 'Did You Know That' has drum loops and mellotron so it is not all 'old country'. Again, lyrics such as "If you ask me why I'm afraid of you, it's just because I care about you" show the depth of feeling and honesty given to these songs. If you have been tempted in the past by alternative country but are not yet convinced how good it can be then give Shannon Lyon a try. A more honest introduction would be hard to find. The world-weary vocals on 'Always Will' articulate how many people feel once hitting the big thirty : "This old world is filled with fear and anger but that don't bother me no more, I just shut the door". Lyon recorded over thirty songs and took eleven for this album. If Square Dog want to hold onto the high standard set by their first two releases maybe they should get Lyon back into the studio with the remaining nineteen songs as soon as they can!

Track Listing:-

1 Hobo song
2 Right time of year
3 Summer blonde
4 Trigger down
5 Carry me down
6 Did you know that
7 Always will
8 Lake Huron
9 Thirty crosses
10 Soul of the world
11 Idaho panhandle

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