Sometimes when reviewing local bands, music journalists (including bloggers) can be too generous. I can’t say that I’m really worried about doing that with Petticoat, Petticoat. Their new album, Every Mother’s Child is just as good as their live shows have been hinting at, and it’s almost time for us to get to hear all of it. Until its release date (July 11th), they’ve posted two of the new songs for sampling.

MP3: Petticoat Petticoat - Love In An Alley
MP3: Petticoat Petticoat - Glittering Heels
While it was a different song on the album (”We’re Gonna Be Poor”) that spurred me to make this comment, I just have to say that I’m going to be really embarrassed if Petticoat Petticoat wind up in my year’s end list of best songs. Not because I don’t think their music is up to snuff but because, as locals, they can tease me about that over me for a long, long time.

But I’ll do my best to focus on the now. That’s an easy enough thing, as these songs are every bit as wonderful as I imagined they’d be. “Love in an Alley” has long been the centerpiece of the band’s live show, and the studio version is bound to only solidify it as one of their best. Lead singer Kristin Messina’s voice is powerful enough to warrant comparisons to Stevie Nicks, and her doubled vocals during the chorus of “Love..” will most likely wind up being one of the album’s strongest points.

“Glittering Heels” is the rocker of the pair, and a wonderful addition to the band’s catalogue. While Petticoat, Petticoat are usually found wearing the folk-pop halo, the rocking bass and synthy keyboards pay off really well. It’s not a big departure for the band, but one that will fend off any “one-trick pony” comments.

Petticoat Petticoat on Myspace
Preorder Every Mother’s Child ($10–ships late June)
Kalmia Records’ Online Store

Petticoat will be playing a lot of shows in the next couple months. The best thing to do is to check their myspace for details. Their all ages CD release in Lexington is July 7th at Underlying Themes; WRFL is sponsoring.

Well, unless something horrible happened, I should be driving up to Lexington in a couple hours. Like I said, I’ll be blogging from the library, so sorry for the slow posting. Internet on Tuesday. Woo!

Polyvinyl Records is running some sweet specials on tshirts. Of Montreal, The M’s, and Mates of State shirts for $10 each? Yes please!