All signs seem to point to Rebecca Rippy being one of Tennessee’s most exciting new artists. Telling Stories is her second album and the follow up to 2007’s Secrets. She and her compadres have shared the stage with notable artists such as Donna the Buffalo, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Alt. Rock legends Vigilantes of Love.
Telling Stories is an interesting journey. It’s sort of like listening to a country girl dip her feet in the community swimming hole just to see if she can contract a totally new disease from the dirty water (and I mean that in the best way). Rippy has a pretty solid Alt. Country/Americana musical base throughout but she definitely dabbles in Bluegrass and Blues more than a little. In fact, the lead single, “It’s October,” is a good bit funky even in an Ani DiFranco kinda way. The duo of “I’m Leaving” and “Take Me to the River” have a similar feel, although the result isn’t quite as powerful in my opinion. You might even argue that “Easy Come, Easy Go” (a certain album highlight) has a little Smooth Jazz feel to it.
Make no mistake that this album is wonderfully executed musically. It’s diverse, spotless, and interesting throughout. What it lacks though is something that the listener can wholeheartedly latch onto. There are wild turns and surprising moments but no big hooks that make you want to become a part of the song itself. Rippy has some great ideas and an excellent voice. There’s a lot to like but the album leaves you wanting for something to absolutely love.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
