You know if I ever get around to writing that wonderful cross country, sleazy Americana indie movie that plays through my head when I drink too much coffee, then at least I won’t have to work too hard on putting the soundtrack together. Instead I can just use this excellent debut CD in its entirety. ‘Big Senorita’ is just that, a soundtrack to a non-existent movie, a shiny, slippery, blistering, funny and smooth album.
Derek Sivers, owner of CD Baby was recently quoted as saying on a recent long driving trip he took just two CDs, this one and the latest from Fiona Apple. Now I would take issue with him in regards to Fiona, but he redeems his taste by choosing this little beauty, it would certainly make great trip music.
Steve Tannen is a songwriter in the classic sense, twisting poetic lyrics around a collection of varying guitar pop, sometimes jangly, sometimes sorrowful, but always entertaining.
It is an album that starts with a bang with the absolutely divine ‘Shelter Hotel’, which has an excellent retro feel along with some inspired and well delivered lyrics. "But what a bitch in the morning, and it rained every damn day. Just give me something, so I have something that I can throw away."
Next is ‘San Francisco’ a song that drifts around the drum pattern as Tannen weaves another tale of love inspired woe. He certainly knows how to write for his voice, he is also responsible for the production which is top notch, the blend of voice and each individual instrument is just about spot on, one of the cleaner mixes I have heard on an indie record.
Steve Tannen lived in several places during his early years including Australia and Canada. He was born, and currently lives in New York City though, and you get an underlying sense that this album is about his love for, and his experiences with, America. The America of Motels and Greyhound buses, of extreme poverty and affluence beyond belief, and reason. I may be wrong but I have a feeling Mr. Tannen would love nothing better than to hop into a battered old car and wander aimlessly through the backwaters of America, if he does he can pick me up, I need a vacation.
All in all a superb debut album that bodes nothing but well for the future. In fact I can only find one gripe about this album, please, and this applies to all scrawny male artists, neglect to include the glossy Black and White nude photograph next time.

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