The slow, echoey, almost piano like guitar picking slowly builds before breaking into a steel guitar crescendo signalling that the trip into Megan Hickeys's universe has begun. With a voice that's equal parts Hope Sandoval and Sinead O'Connor and a lap steel guitar sound that's as soaring as David Gilmour and as rootsy as Greg Leisz she's a musical force all her own. Wire Waltz is the opening track and title of the new album from Last Town Chorus and sets the dreamlike mood perfectly that permeates throughout. Next up is the anguished, lament filledYou which segues seamlessly into a cover of David Bowie's Modern Love that owes more to Major Tom than the crooning Thin White Duke. Hearing the familiar lyrics over the serenely ethereal take on the music puts a whole new spin on the song. It's not over also pays homage to Bowie with Megan playing an extended outro that recalls the end of Moonage Daydream. Songs like Caroline and Huntsville, 1989 or Wintering in Brooklyn use visual lyrics to develop their own distinct sense of place, all the while surrounded by otherworldly sounds that make them seem surreal at the same time. This is the world of Megan Hickey and Last Town Chorus, strangely familiar, yet somehow inhabiting a universe all its own at the same time.

Give a listen to the song Huntsville, 1989 and watch the video for Modern Love and decide for yourself. Then grab yourself a copy of Wire Waltz and be transported.

MP3: The Last Town Chorus - Huntsville, 1989

Anchored by Megan Hickey's' stellar lap steel guitar playing, The Last Town Chorus also is reknowned for their captivating live shows. Be sure and catch them when they come near you.

MAY Shows
1st, Hamden, CT. The Space. 9pm.
2nd, Boston, MA. Paradise Rock Club. (WUMB session at noon.)WITH MICHAEL PENN
3rd, Northampton, MA. Iron Horse Music Hall. WITH MICHAEL PENN
4th, State College, PA. Penn State University, Chronic Town
5th, Pittsburgh, PA. Club Cafe. (WYEP session @ 1pm - listen online). WITH MICHAEL PENN
6th, Cleveland, OH. Beachland Ballroom. WITH MICHAEL PENN
8th, Ann Arbor, MI. The Ark. WITH MICHAEL PENN
9th, Chicago, IL. Schuba's Tavern. TWO SHOWS. WITH MICHAEL PENN
11th, Minneapolis, MN, 400 Bar. 7PM Early. THE LAST TOWN CHORUS HEADLINING
12th, Madison, WI, NOT YET CONFIRMED THE LAST TOWN CHORUS HEADLINING
14th, Toronto, Canada. Elmocambo. THE LAST TOWN CHORUS HEADLINING
15th, Albany, NY. Valentine's. Early: 6pm doors, 7pm show.
16th, Burlington, VT. Higher Ground.
29th, New York, NY. Joe's Pub. 9:30pm. The Last Town Chorus headlines a hometown evening.

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