Albums

Imelda May - Love Tattoo

Beckie Jordan 11/10/2008

Rating: 5/5

With Amy Winehouse off the radar for the time being, it was only a matter of time before another fierce female singer/songwriter came along and stole the praise from under her feet.

Dublin born singer Imelda May is quickly making a name for herself, with a recent win as Best Newcomer at the Irish Music Awards, touring alongside Jools Holland and Van Morrison and storming sets on the summer festival circuit.

May's debut album 'Love Tattoo' is a fiery incendiary bomb of rockabilly goodness, giving 1950's foot-tapping a 2008 makeover. May wastes no time in introducing herself, with Johnny Got a Boom Boom a killer opening number, which has more fizz and pizzazz than a night at the diner. Feel Me has more of a jazz vibe, with hot bass, lively percussion and rasping vocals.

The album takes a more relaxed, piano driven route with ballads Knock 123 and Meet You At The Moon, with May's honeyed yet husky vocals interweaving with images of smoky jazz bars. The slow, tender moves don't last for long, and May get's right back to the rock 'n' roll with the title track, 'Love Tattoo', and 'Wild About My Lovin', both a foot-stomping tribute to retro greatness.

Love Tattoo is a hot, energetic and sophisticated homage to past musical greats, and May's vocal dexterity certainly gives 'Queen of Rockabilly' Wanda Jackson a good run for her money. As debut albums go, this one is certainly a musical treat.

'Love Tattoo' is released 24th November 2008.
http://www.imeldamay.com