George Usher “Stevensonville”
What happens when artists get older? Some keep chasing the same rush, like Cheap Trick still plugging in and turning it up. Others slow things down and focus on life’s little details, like George Usher with his latest release, “Stevensonville.”
This is a concept album built around a small-town landscape, filled with sharply drawn characters. From “Reverend Thomas Pardee,” warning his congregation about creeping dangers, to “Judge John Bailey,” consumed by suspicion, Usher paints a series of interconnected portraits. His worn-in vocal delivery fits the material, giving each story a grounded, lived-in feel. “Mitch Kunkel” has a strong melodic hook and the country-leaning ballads, especially “Mary Beth Merriwether,” show off Usher’s songwriting depth. “Benny Weed” closes things out on a more optimistic note. It is about taking a risk and leaving the past behind, which gives the record a sense of resolution without wrapping everything up neatly.
This is not a quick-hit power pop record. If you connect with the characters and see pieces of real life in them, it will stick with you. And like Benny figures out, there is always a way to move on when it is time.
The Corner Laughers “Concerns of Wasp and Willow”
Northern California indie pop outfit The Corner Laughers return after a five-year gap, with Karla Kane steering the ship as usual. The opening track “Terra Mia” kicks things off with bright ukulele and a melody that sticks right away, a clear reminder of Kane’s strength as a songwriter.
You get the breezy, laid-back feel of “Dusking,” then a heavier, more sugary pull on “Larkspur Landing.” That mix of light and weight has always been part of their identity, and it still works here, even when the softer moments seem overly sweet. Songs like “Rainbow Cardigan” and “Dark Matter,” which showcase their positive and energetic attitude with a hint of environmental advocacy, are highlights here. The sunshine pop of “Crumb Clean” and “Universe Point” are also underrated gems. Overall a great album, and it’s highly recommended.
