Mashed Potato Records Vol. 1 / Various Mashed Potato Records Vol. 1 / Various CD

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.

1. Run Wild 2. Crab Walk! 3. Rosemary 4. Look at the Moon 5. Did Life Make You Bitter? 6. Milky White Way 7. Island 8. Playing the Fool 9. Dream of You 10. I Don't Miss the Old Times 11. No Mama Blues 12. Rare Feeling