On February 22, Luther Russell with release a new solo LP, Medium Cool. The record was recorded and mixed to tape in a short blast with the help of some old friends: Co-producer Jason Hiller (bass), Derek Brownof The Eels, (drums), Danny De La Matyr (harmonies) and Liam Hayes of Plush.
“With these songs, I thought I could maybe capture the essence of growing up in the San Fernando Valley during the heyday of rock ’n’ roll radio,” explains Russell. It’s unmistakably there in the drag strip reverie of “Corvette Summer,” in the kinetic multi-city shout-out “Have You Heard?” and the shredding solos of “Can’t Be Sad.” Along for the drive are echoes of the slightly off-kilter power pop that emerged from Memphis’ Ardent Studios in the 1970s. You can hear it in tracks such as the slamming opener “Deep Feelings,” the downcast jangler “Talkin’ to Myself” and a tube-frying plea to the downer of the party, “Sad Lady.” Makes sense, since Luther’s been working there regularly with Jody Stephens of Big Star in their duo Those Pretty Wrongs.
Medium Cool is heralded by a 7″ single — out November 16, 2018 on Fluff & Gravy —containing “The Sound of Rock & Roll” and the flip side, “Saturday’s Child,” which didn’t make the album, but for Luther, is a clue to the spirit of the record. “It’s about the power of youth and beauty. An ingenue hits the club scene. Everyone competes to light her cigarette. She’s a star.”
Pre-orders are available via https://fluffandgravy.com/store/luther-russell-medium-cool/
Medium Cool track listing:
Side 1:
Deep Feelings
Can’t Be Sad
The Sound of Rock & Roll
Corvette Summer
At Your Feet
Side 2:
Have You Heard?
Sad Lady
Talkin’ to Myself
Blue Balloon
Can’t Turn Away
7” Single:
A: The Sound of Rock & Roll
B: Saturday’s Child