Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me
When Jessica Lea Mayfield recorded her bedroom-produced debut EP at the age of 15, little did she realize that one of the hundred copies would end up with fellow Ohioan Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Intrigued by the teen's distinctive singing and minimalist approach to songwriting, Auerbach stepped up and produced Mayfield's striking full-length '08 debut With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, an album that garnered major critical acclaim ("fascinating and endlessly listenable" raved Pitchfork). Mayfield's voice, a rare, unpolished instrument of heartbreaking sadness and a "wise beyond her years" character was perfectly paired with Auerbach's spartan production.
Auerbach is again at the studio helm -- along with backing vocals and drumloops -- for Tell Me (February 8, Nonesuch), Mayfield's eagerly anticipated collection of eleven new songs. Lead track "Our Hearts Are Wrong" is an austere intro to the Mayfield manner: rueful, plainly presented and just off-kilter enough to demand attention. The mix is upfront, stuttered drums yielding space to acoustic strums and wandering bass line, her playful, plaintive voice demanding attention on her own terms. Simply laid out without an air of self-consciousness, Mayfield's songs have a Neil Young-styled directness, rough edges exposed, but with a naturally compelling appeal. Download "Hearts" for free at Mayfield's website.
Jessica Lea Mayfield - "Our Hearts Are Wrong" (from Tell Me)
Jessica Lea Mayfield - "For Today" (from With Blasphemy So Heartfelt)
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