When I reviewed Stories Up High in 2022, I went a little crazy over Laney Jones’ voice, saying that it, “…wraps itself around your heart and then ever so gently slips a knife between your ribs. Hurts so good!” But it really is a one of a kind instrument and the exquisite control she has over every crack and caterwaul is captivating.
All of that is on full display on Stay At Home, a kick-ass new track that puts some dueling guitars and a driving rhythm section under lyrics using the structure of a litany to take in as many of the world’s ills at once as possible:
Take down halls
Take down the art
Take down anything with a beating heart
Take down your trust
Take down your brother
Come on little man run away from each other
But the chorus lightens things up considerably, sung with the conviction of one whose first job is to convince themselves: “We can still party but let’s stay at home.” Maybe this is a belated answer song to Jonathan Wilson’s 2011 classic, Can We Really Party Today? However you want to interpret the song, I contend most of the meaning of the song comes from how GOOD it makes me feel while it’s playing, which is a core truth about a lot of rock & roll. We can always use more of that - and hopefully in 2024 we’ll get more of it from Laney Jones.
Was Laney Jones already on your radar? Or did I have the pleasure of introducing you?
From the archives:
Record Roundup: 22 For 22
First time hearing this! 100% right down my alley 🫶