2009 artist to watch: Randy Weeks

Pop & Hiss offers a look at some of the artists we expect to make noise in 2009.

Artist: Randy Weeks

Why him: Formerly with L.A.-based Americana group Lonesome Strangers, Randy Weeks has to be doing something right -- Lucinda Williams not only covered his song “Can’t Let Go” on her breakthrough album “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road,” but it’s also become a cornerstone of her live shows. On his solo collection “Going My Way,” coming Feb. 24, Weeks puts together a batch of consistently evocative, witty lyrics that he sings in a distinctively wry Lou Reed-meets-Willie Nelson voice. His country roots are strong enough that he’s cranked out the instant honky-tonk classic “The One Who Wore My Ring,” yet, like Peter Case, he also obviously knows his Lennon-McCartney songbook well enough to come up with the pure-pop bounce of “That’s What I’d Do.”

His recent move from L.A. to Austin led to “Going My Way” being produced by Texas Americana ace Will Sexton, and probably at least partially explains the juicy New Orleans funk they’ve brought to “I Think You Think.” That song and “I Couldn’t Make It” showcase Weeks’ love for language and his engaging wordplay.

What's next: In support of "Going My Way," Weeks will play a handful of dates around Texas and Tennessee before his SXSW showcase date in March.

-- Randy Lewis

Photo of Weeks courtesy Conqueroo

Comments

[MG]

One of the best artists to come out of LA . . . his most recent gigs at the Cinema Bar had a really great band behind him as well.