NICK CURRAN & THE LOWLIFES "REFORM SCHOOL GIRL" Source: A Record A Day Date: 04/2010 Writer: D. Patrick Rodgers

I received an email from Nick Curran and the Lowlifes’ publicity people today. The email included a zip file of Curran’s forthcoming record, Reform School Girl, but when I opened it and began to listen, I was certain there had been some mistake. This record — full of gritty, retro-electric blues — doesn’t sound like it could have possibly been made after 1960. I don’t want to say it’s derivative; that would imply that it’s an insincere effort. Totally referential AND reverential, this just sounds straight-up like Little Richard or Fats Domino or Jerry Lee Lewis tracks that I somehow never heard. There’s definitely some rockabilly swing to it thanks in part to chicken pickin’ and horns, but it’s bafflingly authentic retro-blues overall. Loads of songs about how “crazy” this dude’s “baby” is and what not. Reform School Girl will be out Feb. 16.