Jonny Kaplan & The Lazy Stars’ Sparkle And Shine : Americana at Its Best
By Frank Poulin
On September 24, Jonny Kaplan & The Lazy Stars are launching their 4th studio album, Sparkle And Shine.
Kaplan’s music falls under the umbrella category of country rock, but that term has been used and abused too much over the decades to do this album justice. Yes, it’s country music, and it’s rock music. And blues, and folk and then some. But never mind all that — simply listen to the whole CD, and when you’re done you’re left with the feeling you’ve been on a cross-country road trip through the American countryside.
Standouts include title track “Sparkle & Shine” and blues-laden “Annalee Meets The Scorpion,” by far my favorite on the album. These are anchored by heartfelt ballads (“When You’re Down,” “Sweet Magnolia Flower”), and all-out country fans will definitely enjoy “Billings Blues” and “Garage Cleaner.”
It’s ironic that a band capable of creating such quintessentially American music has actually had more success abroad than at home in the past. This album should definitely help fix that.
Track listing:
- Sparkle and Shine
- Annalee Meets the Scorpion
- Helena’s Afraid
- When You’re Down
- The Child Is Gone
- I’ll Be Around
- Sweet Magnolia Flower
- Billings Blues
- Garage Cleaner
- Always
- Pretty Little Nose