Andy's Aural Advent: 17th Dec. Promised Land Sound - "She Takes Me There"

Released on the always wonderful Paradise of Bachelors label, Promised Land Sound's second album For Use and Delight was so close to making my Best of 2015 list. Its reference points are obvious but impeccable (Americana ancestors like The Band, Dylan, Buffalo Springfield and The Byrds; modern masters and PoB family members Steve Gunn and Hiss Golden Messenger), the playing light, loose and natural.

On "She Takes Me There", it's a desolate Alex Chilton who frontman Peter Stringer-Hyeas resembles, golden George Harrison-style guitar gently weeping around him. A song with such a title would usually be a joyful one, about how just the thought of that special someone is enough to elevate and transport. Here, the subject is taking Stringer-Hyeas to a dark place; he's losing his mind in a waking nightmare: "Well I wonder where she lays tonight...is she laughing, is she crying out to the moon?" The hope is that she's as heartbroken as him, that there's a chance of a reconciliation. Backing vocals provide the heartbreaking truth: "she's over me." A scorched guitar wails out.