Imelda May's American debut, 'Mayhem'
Album / CD art cover titled Imelda May releases the album "Mayhem" on July 19, 2011. Credit: Handout/handout
Imelda May seems like a singer from a different era on her American debut "Mayhem" (Decca). The Irish star combines jazz, rockabilly and country, while keeping it all current with her delivery and phrasing. The title track sounds like No Doubt crossed with the Stray Cats. "Johnny Got a Boom Boom" sounds like Chrissie Hynde fronting the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Though the rockabilly version of Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" gets a bit too kitschy, May's brand of "Mayhem" is generally just weird enough to work.
IMELDA MAY
"Mayhem"
GRADE
B
BOTTOM LINE
Turning classic styles into something new
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