"No other musical artist in this century – or in any century that I know of – has created a collection remotely similar to Anne McCues’ first release in 10 years, Wholly Roller Coaster. McCue, a native Australian now living in Nashville, TN, is a gifted songwriter and remarkable guitarist, and her 2004 album, "Roll," brought the goods in a power-pop bluesy rock gem of a package. But while "Wholly Roller Coaster" represents a musical and thematic departure from "Roll," it offers other delights with a quirkiness and charm that apparently emanates from McCue’s fertile mind directly to vinyl. It’s kind of a thrill ride of examining life philosophies. It’s a genre entire of itself, an amalgam of swirling psychedelia and lyrics focusing on the wonder of life. You might call it music to keep your mind from going crazy, born in the haze and miasma of the covid epidemic. The 10 songs here are reflective and thoughtful, designed to invite us to consider ourselves as a part of a larger whole. It’s a whole vibe, a ’60s feel – McCue gives a nod to "those fabulous four" and uses the design of the classic "Sgt. Pepper" LP as a guide, with its collage of faces and lyric sheet. The opening track, "Fly or Fall," features trippy keys and prominent percussion, and a distinctive cornet. "Leaping at the Moon" is simultaneously upbeat and melancholy, ethereal and seething. "The Loneliest Saturday Night" taps into an Asian mood, and includes the couplet: "was there ever such a lonely sound / as a telephone not ringing?" Another track, "Witch Song" leans Eastern Indian, and begs "We need to change our ways / or see the end of days." "Shadow Lane" may be the most accessible, with its infectious bounce and nod to mid-form Kinks, all nostalgic and yearning for "avoiding all the latest news / ’cause we don’t want to catch those blues." The closer, "The Years," looks rearward as it looks forward. McCue lists album instruments on the liner notes as: "akookstic & eklectric guitars, whirlytzer organ, seetar guitar, E-bo, tambooreen, cawsbell, peeano, mellowtron floots, tablas, noizes, larfter, skulls, eggs." Everyone may enjoy a sip of this brew, even though it may not be to the taste of those who sip and sup with mass appetites.
© Fred Kraus
