In this week's Homespun column, Christian Schaeffer reviews Rough Shop's Here Today. He has this to say:
While many of [Anne] Tkach's cuts sound sweetly somber, on the title track she settles into a relaxed, acoustic-jazz sway that recalls a more folkified Madeleine Peyroux. [John] Wendland's "Golden Slumber Inn" is a highlight here — the detail-rich cheating song drops in at least two Beatles references alongside some slippery dobro licks. Several of [Andy] Ploof's songs highlight his deft instrumental skills and give a nice counterpoint to his sometimes-flat voice; "Dance All Night" gives a brisk, mandolin-led look at the piety and revelry that took place at big-tent religious revivals. Of course, "revival" is a hard word to avoid when encountering this type of roots music, but Rough Shop finds a way to mix tradition and idiosyncrasy in a comforting and compelling fashion.
The band is holding a free CD release show on Friday, March 28, at the Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Avenue, Maplewood; 314-241-2337). Enjoy the following MP3s:
MP3: Rough Shop, "Stumbling Angel"
