New Track

Walk Along is the newest CD by the Mickeys, two sisters who write and sing songs of hope that things will get better. They write of the importance of small things even when the world seems to come crashing down. Julie Peebles and Amy Sherman not only co-wrote most of the songs, but performed all vocals. Their stage name is their maiden name and the album is released on their own label.

"Caroline" opens the collection. It is a nice blending of the Mickeys' voices. Slow and sweet, any listener is taken back to a simpler time when people sat on porch swings with a glass of lemonade. Conversation would revolve around their trip to Ireland and the pub they walked to each night for a evening with the local musicians.

"Walk Along" is the title song. The sisters dedicated this to their older brother who has died. It takes on a blues beat with toe tapping rhythm in every note. The harmonica is an extra added touch. Both sisters sing together throughout this selection, but I believe the effect is dimmed somewhat. I liked it better when one would start and the other would join in at the appropriate time.

"Going Home" tells of a young woman who is far from home. A job transfer, perhaps, or the obtaining of a university education. She sings plaintively of the family and friends missed with many a tear. The loneliness shines through with each heartbreaking note.

"Feel The Way I Do" has a country theme. A young lady has fallen for the guy of her dreams. She senses he doesn't feel the same way, but that doesn't stop her from expressing herself in song. A steady drumbeat reflects how fast her heart beats each time she thinks of the unrequited love.

"The River" is one of the slower songs. It is easy to picture a day by the flowing water, picnic basket in hand. Two try to reconnect by taking time out of the day for a meal and conversation.

"Standing In The Rain" is one of my favorite songs. It opens with a harmonica and I suspect, a banjo. The bouncy tune caught my attention from first listen and kept it during the course of the song. Strong music plus powerful vocals makes for a musical selection which should be downloaded to one's iPod for permanent keeping.

"Alright For Now" is a cover of Tom Petty's lullaby. The love felt for a woman's significant other comes through with piercing clarity. A slow song, it balances the opening selection.

After listening through the entire CD, I liked most of it. The slower songs were not always my cup of tea, but the bouncier tunes made up for it. Hearing the musical instruments play along with the voices was a special treat, adding richness and depth to the gentle singing.