Lone Justice

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American rock band Lone Justice was released on Geffen Records in 1985. The original edition of the band consisted of a 21 year old Maria McKee on lead vocals, guitarist Ryan Hedgecock, as well as a rhythm section featuring veteran bassist Marvin Etzioni and Don Heffington, a former drummer in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band. The album was produced by Jimmy Iovine.

“Ways To Be Wicked” written by Tom Petty and “Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling)” co-written by Lone Justice vocalist Maria McKee, Benmont Tench (a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), and Steve Van Zandt (Little Steven). As well Lone Justice covered “Don’t Toss Us Away” written by Bryan MacLean, the half-brother of Maria McKee. (Bryan MacLean is probably best known as member of the LA based psychedelic outfit Love, a band signed to Elektra Records in the 60’s.) Featuring guest appearances by keyboardist Benmont Tench, Little Steven, Mike Campbell, and an uncredited Annie Lennox of Eurythmics fame.

The only thing louder than the buzz on vocalist Maria McKee – reputedly blessed with Linda Ronstadt’s power, Emmylou Harris’ aggression and Dolly Parton’s pure tone – was the ignited moonshine soprano that burst out on the exhortative «Soap, Soup & Salvation», the fist to the jaw «Working Late» and the taunting undulative «Wait ‘Til We Get Home». On the back end of X, the Blasters and the Plugz, Lone Justice took acoustic instruments, brought punk aggression and gave Bakersfield a jolt of neon lightning. Even the ballads – the love/Lord blurring «You Are The Light» and pleading «Don’t Toss Us Away» – had a shred-your-dress, tear-your-hair desperation that was the unfiltered emotion that made Hank Williams, the Louvins and Patsy Cline so heady. [Holly Gleason, Paste Magazine, August 2016]

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LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “East Of Eden” – 2:36
A2. “After The Flood” – 3:38
A3. “Ways To Be Wicked” – 3:26
A4. “Don’t Toss Us Away” – 4:19
A5. “Working Late” – 2:44

Side Two
B1. “Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling)” – 4:10
B2. “Pass It On” – 3:38
B3. “Wait ‘Til We Get Home” – 3:17
B4. “Soap, Soup And Salvation” – 4:01
B5. “You Are The Light” – 3:59

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