Melissa McClelland
Victoria Day
Six Shooter Records
www.sixshooterrecords.com
By George W. Harris

Melissa McClelland is a sweet-toned vocalist who delves into the “neo-retro” rockabilly genre. What makes it “neo” I’m not sure, except that the classic Sun Records/Memphis country rock is in full regalia here, with each song including an added dash of modern feel and attitude. McClellan handles most of the writing chores, with lyrics carrying a semi-cynical street poet feel not dissimilar to early Tom Waits: observations about the nihilistic nomads of life, as on “God Loves Me.” The supporting band of Luke Doucet/g-p, Rich Levesque/b, and Al Cross, Glenn Milchem or Barry Mirochnick/dr is augmented by some horns and strings on a handful of the tracks, giving an extra punch to the jumpier tunes. Nothing startling or new, but playing the old style with comfort and ease.