REVIEW: Taylor Mills – Lullagoodbye
TAYLOR MILLS – LULLAGOODBYE (AquaPulse Records)
After several years as the only female member of Brian Wilson’s outstanding live ensemble, Taylor Mills is finally making her mark on the solo circuit with the release of her debut album ‘Lullagoodbye’. The choice of material is infallible, combining both pop and adult-oriented rock aspects that showcase Taylor’s impressive vocals and emotional commitment to the music and lyrics. Songs are provided by a number of collaborators; most notably fellow Brian Wilson bandmate Scott Bennett, who also serves as a multi-instrumentalist on the songs, and Todd Sucherman, who produces, drums and performs additional vocals.
Unobtrusive, intimate, and avoiding the sterilizing mainstream-gloss that no doubt would have been applied by a major label, the arrangements, while radio-friendly, steer clear of triteness or cliché. Poppy opener ‘Center Of Your Heart’ sets the tone for an album which despite numerous songwriting credits, flows effortlessly and seems to grow in confidence and ambition as the album progresses. Lyrically, the songs seem to alternate between optimism and world-weariness; looking forward and looking back. The plaintive ‘Hello Sun’ is an early highlight, as is the swooning, dreamlike ‘Raven’ – one of two songs to feature harmony vocals from Brian Wilson himself.
‘Consolation Prize’ is the albums most defiant, rock-influenced number, and Mills’ unrestrained, gloves-off vocal really allows her to shine – a welcome detour from the more disciplined, though nonetheless accomplished showings of the more pop-oriented material.
The rhythmic, piano-based ‘Keep The Saints From Leaving’ begins an outstanding closing trilogy. ‘New Year’s Eve’’s lyrics read like a late-night journal entry, and Taylor turns in a suitably confidential performance, carrying over to the poignant closer, ‘Wish Me Well’ – “The dreams that we had are over, it seems”. While the sunnier, buoyant songs on ‘Lullagoodbye’, such as ‘Center Of Your Heart’ and ‘Anything’ are more likely to find an audience, it is songs like this that will maintain it. There is no doubt about it, Taylor Mills sings sorrow and introspection beautifully and convincingly.
‘Lullagoodbye’ is a remarkably accomplished, self-assured debut, and rightfully so. Hopefully through exploration and word-of-mouth, it will find the audience that it deserves.
Visit www.taylormillsmusic.com to hear samples and order the CD.
CD also available through www.cdbaby.com , and digitally through iTunes.
Hear Taylor Mills’ ‘Hello Sun’ on Insomnia Cafe Podcast – Episode Five, available Sunday, June 17th on iTunes.
Taylor Mills is currently on tour with the Brian Wilson band. Visit www.brianwilson.com further information.
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