Song Review: Caitlin Rose – “I Was Cruel”

It’s always a great day when there’s something new by Caitlin Rose. Things are looking good for the Nashvillian with an ear for melody and a heart for classic pop-country (think Linda Ronstadt in her post Stone Poney era,) her song I Was Cruel, from her upcoming sophomore effort The Stand-In (March 5 – ATO records) debuted today on Spin.com, and it’s a beaut. I once saw Caitlin Rose in Nashville’s 5 Spot and was surprised at how warm, low key and unassuming she was. This is a compliment. With this amount of talent it would be easy to have a more diva-like attitude.

Can a song be both energetic and languorous the same time? With a soft and sultry delivery, riding over a a pop-Americana accompaniment, I Was Cruel manages to keep a cool soul intact while compelling you to tap your boot to the beat. 30 40 years ago “I Was Cruel” would have been a saloon jukebox staple right out of the chute.

After hearing this The Stand-In is a 2013 release I’m really looking forward to.

Caitlin Rose’s The Stand-In track list:

1. “No One to Call”
2. “I Was Cruel”
3. “Waitin'”
4. “Only a Clown”
5. “Dallas”
6. “Pink Champagne”
7. “Golden Boy”
8. “Silver Sings”
9. “Everywhere I Go”
10. “When I’m Gone”
11. “Menagerie”
12. “Old Numbers”

Caitlin Rose 2013 tour dates:

March 9 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
March 27 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
March 28 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
March 29 – Columbia, SC @ Jammin’ Java Music & Coffee
March 30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Hall
April 1 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
April 2 – Cambridge, MA @ T.T. The Bear’s
April 3 – Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy
April 5 – Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
April 6 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
April 8 – Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
April 9 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
April 10 – Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio
April 11 – Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar