Rebecca Turner "Slowpokes" (Independent, 2009)

Sunkissed second from LA late-bloomer

Rebecca didn’t start getting up and playing in front of people until her early 30s, and her first record ‘Land of My Baby’ didn’t appear until a couple of years after that. “Certain things can be pretty sweet when you let them bloom to their full potential.” She says. And this new record certainly is pretty sweet.

‘Slowpokes’ is drenched in West Coast vibes, indebted to the Laurel Canyon sound that Rebecca grew up with. Her vocals even recall Judee Sill at times, though not mired down in a haze of junk. The record sounds like it has soaked up a lot of sun, and this translates to a warmth of sound and intention that is very endearing. Sometimes things get so sweet as to be twee. Lyrics like “…Brooklyn is so big/Because it has to hold a lot of beautiful songs…” can sound borderline saccharine, but the glistening guitars and gently rolling banjo win you over.

‘Slowpokes’ is an upbeat and polished record that, true to its name, moves at its own pace. It’s on its own little California trip, and it makes it clear that you’re welcome to join it.

Date review added:  Monday, November 16, 2009
Reviewer:  Alex Cleary
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist's Official Site