Music Reviews
Luther Russell

Luther Russell

Repair

In Music We Trust

Luther Russell has some fantastic luck; both good and bad. And it is all captured in an intimate and melodic new record called Repair.

First, Russell’s best friend died. Then, Russell’s wife of eight years divorced him (which is probably where his inspiration for “Everybody Falls” came from, with the chorus “Everybody falls in love/ Except for you”). As if that wasn’t enough, he then almost lost his right hand in an accident. He couldn’t play any instruments for several months thereafter.

His luck started to turn however. He moved back to Los Angeles and had several chance meetings with producer Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne, Kings of Leon), who insisted they work on a record together. And that is where Russell started putting the past several years into Repair.

Whether it’s the bitterness in his voice on “Black Leather Coat,” or the optimism in the opener “Rise & Shine,” Luther Russell captures the essence of emotion beautifully.

Repair is very similar to Ryan Adams in that it is very acoustic, but the sound is more rebel country and less rock, especially in “Nothing Else Remains” which has a strong bluegrass feel. Repair is a must for any alt-country lover, and a nice prescription for those wallowing from a broken relationship.

Luther Russell: http://www.lutherrussell.com


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