Mashed Potato Records Vol. 1/ Various - Mashed Potato Records Vol. 1 (Various Artists)

Mashed Potato Records is a New Orleans-based label run by Duff Thompson and Sam Doores (The Deslondes, Hurray for the Riff Raff), and Mashed Potato Records Vol. 1 is the first volume of their impressive two-part label debut. Recorded on reel-to-reel in various improvised locations throughout the city, it captures the unique feel and energy of a tight-knit community of musicians and songwriters. A distinctive feature of all 12 tracks is a strong influence from American roots music, ranging from gospel to honky tonk; The Lostines' "Playing the Fool" is a jubilant '60s girl-group throwback, while their song "No Mama Blues" (co-written by Riley Downing) has the mournful storytelling of a classic American folk ballad. Jonathan Henley's "Look at the Moon" is evocative '70s-era Michael Hurley, and Twain and the Deslondes open the compilation with an explosive rendition of "Run Wild", Jimmy Jay's rare 1959 country gem. Twain book-ends the compilation with "Rare Feeling", an utterly timeless recording of original folk music. Depicting a tiny pocket of tremendous talent and creativity within one of the world's most culturally rich music cities, Mashed Potato Records Vol. 1 is an exciting introduction to some of the most inspiring artists in the current world of underground Americana music.