Anchored in the beautiful Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast areas of Australia, is singer-songwriter, composer, guitarist, Tony McCall (a.k.a., Thuggee Tennessee).
Primarily a solo artist these days, McCall writes gritty, unique songs about loneliness, isolation, insanity, murder, death, redemption, vengeance, the testing of faith, and the mystery of the great beyond—basically all of the best and meatiest stuff in life.
His previous work includes 2013’s Willing Spirit, as well as a host of singles, on most of which you’ll find the direct impact of McCall’s vocals. However, on his latest EP, Bones Of Love, McCall was happy to simply play the role of writer/composer, allowing a small number of talented locals to accomplish the task on tape.
“Only the song matters.”
—Tony McCall (a.k.a., Thuggee Tennessee)
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Elements of country, bluegrass and blues casually drift through the gate in the opening track, Whereabouts Unknown, a track whose happy-go-lucky melody comprised of keys and banjo, just might make you forget about the murder, death and decay around which the lyrics are centered…
“The dirt below our feet reclaims all things
We’ll have to see what tomorrow brings
Ain’t no good to ask the lord to set things right
Everyone’s fallin’ a long dark tunnel, toward the same light…”
The James Taylor-esque, Music Of Love, falls right in the wheelhouse of that classic 80’s-style adult contemporary sound. A tribute to the craft of songwriting and the effect music has on all of us, it’s a piece to be proud of.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
The wonderfully slow-motion, Our Island Days, is a wildly unique melding of some beautiful, ambient guitar and synth tones with a sultry vocal timbre, creating a vibe which sounds like something off of Morcheeba’s brilliant album, 2002’s, Charango. This is a cool tune, and our favorite on the album.
“It’s a big stew of stuff which sometimes probably lacks cohesion. I never cared about that anyway. I’m just looking to make a connection.”
—Tony McCall, regarding his music
A hauntingly gorgeous lap steel moans far-off in the background as the early-era Eagles-like melody of, It Leaves Me Cryin’, unfolds to reveal another bit of touched songwriting. This love song to the universe of all things gives words to the underbelly of sadness that reveals itself in the impermanence of life. It’s a beautiful song…
“I saw your face in a constallation
Deep in the stars, far beyond time…”
IN CONCLUSION…
Tastefully dark. Delightfully bright. Splashes of humor. Appropriately sincere. And, undeniably laced with hope. Thuggee Tennessee’s latest EP, Bones Of Love, represents a fine effort from a continually-evolving songwriter who has found the courage to step aside and let others perform his work in ways he might not be able. It is wildly obvious that McCall took tender, meticulous time in crafting these five songs, which are distinctly different from one another, and yet all share a common thread of thoughtfulness and substance.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
James Taylor meets early-era Eagles…
BELOW: Listen to Thuggee Tennessee’s album, Bones Of Love, and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Thuggee Tennessee by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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