Erin McKeown, 'Hundreds of Lions'

Release date: October 13, 2009
Record label: Righteous Babe Records
Official Web site: http://www.erinmckeown.com/

The buzz: Erin McKeown has spent the past decade releasing seven critically acclaimed studio albums, including 2007’s winning “Sing You Sinners.” She has also gained exposure in recent years by touring with Ani DiFranco, the Indigo Girls and, most recently, Jill Sobule. “Hundreds of Lions” marks McKeown’s first release for DiFranco’s Righteous Babe label.

The verdict: McKeown has a highly inviting alto and it's showcased splendidly on this thrillingly diverse collection of avant-folk. Gentle piano and acoustic guitar propel most of the songs, with handclaps, horns, organ, strings and other assorted instruments making for spot-on surprises. Sparse, somber ballads like the closer, “Seamless,” are offset by jittery pop ditties such as “Santa Cruz.” Lyrically, McKeown explores timeworn subject matter—love won and lost—with refreshing wit and plenty of fascinatingly odd metaphors. “I am a king,” she sings, “you can’t deny me my kingdom.” And on “Hundreds of Lions,” McKeown sounds like indie royalty throughout.

Did you know? In addition to being a singer, McKeown has performed piano, bass and guitar on other artists’ albums.

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