CD reviews: Ruby James makes heartbreak sound so good, it hurts

Ruby James

‘Happy Now'

It's hard to not wonder about this album title, specifically for the time reference it contains. That's because "now" almost certainly wasn't talking about the time over the course of about three years when Ruby James poured a whole lot of heartbreak and longing onto tape to make this collection. Honestly, from the sound of these tunes it's a small miracle the Austinite can still crack the smiles she does on the album's liner notes. Just take a look at some opening lines: "Something's gone wrong" (the title track), "Your dirty don't work" ("The Moon Turns In"), "It's getting harder" ("Angel Eyes"), "Is there something I can give you that is missing in your eyes?" ("The Predictable Kind"), "It's a terrible lie that we're living, but living without you ain't worth living at all" ("Until You Come Home").

All that would make for a deluxe bummer of an album were it not for the fact that James' weary and smoky voice is a perfect match for such laments. A heap of credit goes also to producer Charlie Sexton for framing these songs in appropriate surroundings — radio pop, touches of jazz, an occasional dirge — to make James' songwriting as inviting as it is.

— Chad Swiatecki

Kippenvel.net

Monument for love.

Ruby James’ debut Desert Rose went by unnoticed in the Netherlands. That proves to be more than sad now, because that record contains almost only impressively beautiful songs.

Fortunately, Happy Now is at least just as good and even rootsier. Still, it almost had not been recorded. James, then living in LA, wanted to give up singing after that first one for lack of succes in music and love, but this successor was born from despair, necessity and chance.

Rock Bottom Choir-singer Matt McCormack linked James to band member Will Sexton. That led to eleven songs recorded in Austin over the course of three years with Will Sexton (bass), brother Charlie Sexton (drums, guitar, production) and Mike Thompson (keyboards).

Opener The Predictable Kind is thematic lyrically, but not musically. Looking back at her relationship the presumably radio friendly roots pop is well-crafted, but not distinctive because of a melody that is played and sung anonymously.

However, from the fist tones of the second song the record suddenly breaks open and the musicians and James create a threatening, autumnal atmosphere. Loosely played, often languid grooves are supported by atmospheric guitars and keyboards. In that subdued, spaceous soundscape James’ hoarse voice wanders round. Her desolate tone blends seamlessly with her often desperate words and thus makes her grieve and regret painfully tangible.

This moody, beautifully designed self-released cd is a rootsy highlight by a first-class singer-songwriter that has to be discovered now.

****

Kippenvel- Ruud Heijjer

April has been an exciting month as it is the Release month for my Sophmore album "HAPPY NOW"! For one night on Thursday, April 29th at 10 p.m. at The Continental Club in Austinl, Tx you can get a little glimpse into the magic of the making of this album as we bring it to you live on the stage w/ the brothers who made this album so special!! Will and Charlie will be playing with me this night along with a couple of special guests... THis is a show you don't want to miss!! if you're anywhere near Austin, i'll be looking for you at The Continental Club!! We've also asked Deadman, one of my favorite bands in Austin to close out the night!! So please come out and celebrate the Release of "Happy Now" and this special night with us!!

What people are saying about "HAPPY NOW":

"Sexton finds a way to capture the essence of Ruby’s music and creative spirit, making the listener feel as if they are sharing an intimate moment in time. Ruby’s voice is pure gold, sensuous and dripping with honey, and goes down good. 
Happy Now is a must for every serious audiophile. Don’t miss this chance to add a first-rate artist to your listening repertoire."- Bob Legette- L.A. Music Critic/ Music Connection 

"this represents a creative breakthrough for James and the simple instrumentation and dreamy arrangements showcase James’ signature grit-and-silk vocals. They’re at their dusky best with yearning songs like “Between Darkness & Light” and “Angel Eyes.” - Pasadena Weekly

Excellent production from Sexton helps to take Ruby’s sultry voice through a myriad of amazing songs, such as the ultra-moody title track to the radio-friendly “The Predictable Kind.” It is so rare these days to hear something really fresh and different, which is why I am so happy to discover Ruby James.- Michael Buffalo Smith

"Happy NOW" is available for purchase at rubyjames.com, on I-TUNES, at Waterloo Records in Austin, Tx and Cactus Music in Houston, Tx!!