The debut album from Nashville via Richmond, VA musician James Wallace and the Naked Light has been a long, long time coming. Although More Strange News from Another Star was first recorded in 2010, it wasn’t until the record fell into the hands of Dialog Records’ Daniel White in late 2012 that it found a proper home as one of the label’s first releases.
The record captures a distinct vintage quality channeled from some non-existent music period from decades past, rich with storytelling-folk arrangements. James has often compared to Paul Simon in vocal range and his use of textured percussion, and the comparison is appropriate as his songwriting showcases a love of African music and Gospel harmonies. And yet, more often than not, the songs head into the more ramshackle, go-for-broke qualities of the early Kinks. A kind of rock-and-roll bred with cacophony that balances remarkably well beneath James’ falsetto. Accompanying the vinyl release is an 11-page illustrated songbook which features original artwork and lyrics.
James Wallace embarks on a spring tour today.
May 6 – Charlotte, NC @ Visulte Theater
May 7 – Raleigh, NC @ Southland Ballroom
May 9 – Boone, NC @ Boone Saloon
May 10 – Evansville, IN @ Lamascos
May 11 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
May 12 – Fayetteville, AR @ Rouge Bar
May 13 – Fort Worth, TX @ Live Oak
May 14 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
May 15 – Baton Rouge, LA @ The Varsity Theater
May 17 – Nashville, TN @ Stone Fox
May 18 – Columbus, GA @ Cut Bait Music Festival
May 19 – Chattanooga, TN @ Moccasin Bend Brewery
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