Todd May – Rickenbacker Girls

by | Feb 28, 2013 | Indie Rock, Reviews

Todd May
Rickenbacker Girls
Columbus, OH
(Peloton Records)

“As good as Americana gets”

Todd May’s journey to solo record-dom has had quite a few twists along the way. The singer/songwriter, whose main gig is as a guitarist for Lydia Loveless, got his start in the ’90s fronting The Lilybandits, an acclaimed Southern soul/punk band that disbanded before getting its commercial due. May has gone on to front Fort Shame as well and the Mooncussers (both currently recording and performing), but it’s with his solo debut that he truly comes into his own.

May’s previous work as both a frontman and a sideman serve him well here, as Rickenbacker Girls is filled with both confident vocals and tasteful guitar work. With a voice reminiscent of Steve Earle at his jagged best, May delivers 11 songs filled with nostalgia (the title refers to the military brats he met as a boy near Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio), yearning, and wistfulness.

If Rickenbacker Girls is any indication, Todd May’s prolific output should include more solo ventures.

www.pelotonrecords.com/toddmay