Artist: Buddy & Julie Miller
Album: Breakdown On 20th Ave. South
Label: New West Records
Release Date: 6.21.19
The darkness can be a fearful place but sometimes it can be beautiful. I actually was fearful initially of listening to this, as I had heard it was very dark and sometimes you really need to be in the mood for that. Though much of Julie’s lyrics explore the darkness of relationships and communication breakdowns, her music and Buddy’s production of it let a light shine through that shows a whole lot of honest beauty. This couple has been making music together on and off since 1981 and when Buddy got very busy helping perhaps too many others make their music these last few years, Julie found a lot of stuff to write about like “Everything Is Your Fault” or “Secret”
There are some real driving, strong songs along with a balance of ballads that combine to form a proper place for what was weighing heavy on Julie’s mind. The arrangements and choice of instruments, coupled with mountain harmonies that bring to mind The Louvins or Everly Brothers, make for an easier listen to what she has to say.
Standouts for me were “Till The Stardust Comes Apart.” “Spittin’ On Fire,” and the closer, “Storm Of Kisses.” I am so glad Julie shared the back story of “Storm” in the liner notes; the song is the pure definition of “You never know where a song will come from,” and that “Truth is stranger—and stronger—than fiction.”
—Ken Spooner
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