CheekyChicago

There are many reasons one loves Chicago. To name a few: 70 degree temperatures in… November (rare, but true), the food and the music scene. The latter was reaffirmed for me this week as I listened to local singer/songwriter, Katie Todd.

Back in April, I mentioned Todd in an article about cover songs. Her cover of “Hallelujah” blew me away – which is no easy feat, considering that the song itself has been covered by so many people. Which led me to wonder: if a cover was amazing, what did her original compositions sound like?

I found my answer in her latest CD, Mumbled Speech. Contrary to the title’s implication, Todd presents herself as an assured vocalist and musician throughout. The first song, “Love Love Love You,” is an upbeat track that is endearing, playful and immediately heartwarming. On “Lies Live A Life,” quiet elements from a banjo, acoustic guitar and bass prove to be the perfect accompaniments to her rich vocals. “Secret Hiding Place” reveals an edgier side in both sound and lyrics, while still retaining an upbeat, humorous quality (the song features a choral section referred to only as “The Bop-Boppers”). She is almost urgently adamant as she sings, “Reaching the boiling point / It’s come down to this / Holding us hostage in your distance…”

However, Todd really strikes the listener with some of her slower songs. The title track, for example, comes alive with some beautiful piano and cello work. It is both tranquil and agitated, especially during the chorus: “Lately you’ve been crawling over mumbled speech / And falling short of anything within reach / So meet me somewhere where somebody knows their name.”

From the first song to the last, this is an album worthy of more than a couple repeated plays. Hopefully, she’ll soon make an appearance at one of the venues around town. Until then, check out the video for “Love Love Love You” and I dare you not to be at least a little smitten.