Brooklyn-based MaryKate O'Neil has a new EP titled mkULTRA out on October 28th. mkULTRA is the preview warm-up to a full-length which is set for release in February of 2009 (to be called "Underground"), and follows up two albums cut by a previously Boston-based O'Neil (2002's s/t and 2006's 1-800-Bankrupt). Although the songs here aren't about controlling your mind (for a little tongue-in-cheek background peek, see: CIA's MK-Ultra), the tracks included offer a much more tangible insight into the mind of a talented storyteller and musician who works wonderfully in collaboration, writing songs that often hit close to home. MaryKate's vocal delivery is at once husky and sweet, bringing to mind talented and sultry musicians such as Aimee Mann, and Throwing Muses' Kristin Hersh (the latter of which should be noted on the stunning track "Trouble").
O'Neil worked on her most recent spate of songs with a fantastic group of musicians in tow, most notably collaborating with Jill Sobule, Ken Maiuri (Pedro the Lion, Soft Drugs, Mark Mulcahy), Mickey Grimm (Over the Rhine, Butterfly Boucher) and Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo, Elvis Costello, Sleater-Kinney) among others (who are the singer's friends as well) no doubt adding to the genuine, unpredictable, and often delicate feel of the collection of tracks represented here. Songs like "Green Street" co-written by O'Neil and Maiuri offer the perfect pop accent while a soft and heartfelt version of Randy Newman's "Living Without You" transcends the 'favorite' tag (which could easily be handed over to the addictive opener "Green Street"), and instead becomes the EP's 'classic' number. O'Neil had a hand in both production (along with Moutenot and Sobule) and songwriting: collaborating with Jill Sobule on most of the EP for "Maps", "Nothing I Say Or Do", and previously mentioned "Trouble", also leaving room for a handsome cover of Jill Sobule's "Happy" to end the EP (originally co-written by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne in collaboration with, and for, Sobule). All in all, an enchanting mix of tracks (new and old) that are sure to peak interest in MK's forthcoming album.
MaryKate O'Neil at World Cafe Live opening for Jill Sobule (10/9/08)
Do you disco? MK delighting her audience with witty banter and tales between songs...
She's great! Bytheway: Who is that fantastic guitarist behind her??? He looks like he can really play...
Posted by: bobbyNH | October 17, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Why, I do declare, that is Gerry G on guitar;) Thanks for the comment Bobby NH (new haven, right?!)
Posted by: carly | October 17, 2008 at 03:49 PM