A month ago I talked about a new music choice for snowstorm listening. That same week, a second day of a winter storm meant another opportunity to snowshoe to work and meant finding more new snow day music—Mary Karlzen.
It seems odd to talk about snow music now as I post this from Calvin College, anticipating a day of 60 degrees and sun here in Michigan. However, perhaps it’s still appropriate. I had to drive a part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour to be here—albeit the express, Interstate version—but the connection is strong with Karlzen’s album.
I was predisposed to find an affinity with Mary Karlzen’s The Wanderlust Diaries because of the back cover photo of a Lake Michigan Circle Tour road sign. Because I live on the shores of Lake Michigan, the picture meant the roots rock songs would take on a hometown feel while also pointing to that intense draw to explore. Anytime that I see those Circle Tour signs, even though they’re just six blocks from home, I’m tempted to just keep driving until I’ve been around that whole big lake. If I ever succumb to this spur of the moment trip, Karlzen’s music will be the perfect accompaniment—a bit more country than you might imagine for the Midwest but finding a rhythm that rides right along the shores of the Great Lakes.
If the Circle Tour photo wasn’t enough to capture my support, Karlzen covers the Replacements’ “Skyway.” Kicking up more of the two-step rhythm hidden in Paul Westerberg’s ballad, Karlzen seems right at home next Westerberg looking out the windows of that walkway above the city street. The song features guest backing vocals from Garrison Starr. Karlzen goes on to somewhat borrow Westerberg’s picking pattern from “Skyway” for her own “Friends Along the Way.”
I have an intense dream to produce a cover album of Westerberg’s ballads—more tender than anyone might have dreamed watching the Replacements fall apart nightly on stage in various stages of drunkenness. Karlzen’s version of “Skyway” proves just what a worthy project this would be. . . .
The Wanderlust Diaries rises out of a Country rock sound that could simply recall Mary Chapin-Carpenter, but that is too narrow. She can add a bluesy swank like Tift Merritt, Theresa Andersson, or even Maria McKee. When Karlzen slows things down, Lucinda Williams is caught driving off into the distance.
Yet, beyond that Country-influenced Rock circle of women, Karlzen can drift towards an American Folk air—especially given her whispery vocal tone “Show Me” recalling Nanci Griffith or Shawn Colvin. “Jump” could emerge beyond any pigeon-holed music marketing and land with its pop-flecked roots rock. As she kicks up a beat on “Oh My,” Karlzen makes me think of the playfulness of Erin McKeown.
Ah, and then there’s another cover: Tom Waits’ “Heart of a Saturday Night.” While Waits took you to that rain soaked, beer soaked place, Karlzen—along with guest vocalist singer/songwriter Matthew Ryan—certainly leads the lonely camel to a lonely place to drink. Here’s the song for the night on your Circle Tour drive, pulling into a small town that’s already closed up, and wondering if the sheriff will bother you if you pull into the wayside to sleep in your car.
Thanks to Mary Karlzen and Dualtone for the review CD.
