Matching up kindred spirits and mutual influences, this volume of Three Lobed Recording’s Parallelogram series collects new recordings from Hiss Golden Messenger and Michael Chapman. Both M.C. Taylor (Hiss Golden Messenger) and Michael Chapman have consistently won praise for possessing a certain songwriting prowess and earnest delivery. This LP only helps both artists cement their reputations. The Hiss Golden Messenger side is an exploration in the art of reinterpretation. Taylor’s covers of tracks by J.J. Cale, Elephant Micah and David Wiffen demonstrate his complete love and respect for the originals while casting each in his unique light and voice. Chapman’s masterful contribution bears the weight and heft that this legendary performer has gained through decades of experience. Be it narrative-driven compositions such as “Another Story” (known only to some listeners from Kurt Vile and Meg Baird’s collaborative cover from Matador’s 2012 “Singles Going Home Alone” collection) or intricate guitar excursions such as the closing “Stockport Monday (Homage Tom Rush),” Chapman’s side is a master class in both song craft and execution.
The Fat Angel Sings 