posted: May 30, 2022
Lyle Lovett’s latest 12th of June
If you’re in the mood for some musical comfort food, consider Lyle Lovett’s recent release – 12th of June.
If you’re a fan of his 1989 release, Lyle Lovett And His Large Band, and the 1992 follow up, Joshua Judges Ruth, this record picks up the same groove those records put down. Much like the opening of Large Band, Lovett begins this record with a short, snappy, uptempo instrumental that gets your ears warmed up for the rest of the journey. It feels as if this could have easily been release six months later.
Lovett is a musical chef that combines blues, country, Americana, and a little bit of jazz on the side to create a musical dish that’s mmm, mmm good. The title is a tribute to his twins born on June 12, how can you not love this guy?
The songs are great, with titles like “Pants is Overrated” (about his twins and their diapers), and “Pig Meat Man.” “Bring it to me on a great big platter – I’m a pig meat man, I like bacon and ham (with toast and jam).” You just want to call him up and go to Denny’s for a Grand Slam.
The record is fleshed out stylistically and texturally a lot like the Large Band record, and that’s a good thing. Featuring longtime collaborator Francine Reed, (who incidentally has just announced her retirement) the record flies by, perhaps too soon. This record is exquisitely recorded, and the musicianship first rate. Lovett’s voice doesn’t sound like its aged a day, even though a decade has flown by since we last heard from him. Let’s hope it doesn’t take this long for the next one.
12th of June is out on all formats, but if you need to live with it a bit before you buy a vinyl copy, it is also streaming with all the majors.