If you’re heading out, I can recommend this sophomore full-length by New Orleans-based songwriter / singer / guitarist Sam Gelband and his friends as a soundtrack for your ride or walk. Again! Again!, the successor to last year’s People People People People! LP and 2020’s self-titled debut EP, contains nine original Americana songs on “the joys and virtues of living and loving, but not without recognizing the endurance and patience that is required to find it in an unforgiving world.” The lyrics here are optimistic and uplifting, the music is warm-hearted and skillfully played, the vocals are pleasant and comforting – all together a charming and attractive listen. To quote opening track Go Baby Go (Part One): “Hip hip hooray // You made my day.”
Again! Again!, recorded by Nicholas Wilbur, is out now digitally, on cassette, CD and vinyl LP, through Tape Dad / Gar Hole Records. Also featuring Howe Pearson (electric guitar, vocals), Gina Leslie (bass, vocals, acoustic guitar), Charlie Meyer (drums, percussion, bass), Sam Doores (piano, vocals, percussion, drums), Ross Farbe (electric guitar, vocals) and Matt Bell (steel guitar) on select tracks.