Hurricane Glass

iTunes Review

A chance hearing on a Los Angeles radio station of Catherine Feeny’s track “Mr. Blue” from her debut album inspired the director of Running With Scissors to include the song in the film. Whether or not subsequent doors will open for this inspiring singer-songwriter remains to be seen, but with her second album, Hurricane Glass, Feeny has worked up the necessary goods to deliver on contract. She re-rerecorded “Mr. Blue” (extending its brief duration with an extra horn arrangement) and has continued writing somberly reflective tunes that shift their emotive weight with a variety of approaches that never betray her elemental simplicity. “Always Tonight” hustles with a street groove, but Feeny seems to prefer the smaller moments where her little girl gasps and whispers never need to strain to make their point. “Hush Now” works a quiet corner with a minimalist’s grace, piano notes dropping like teardrops while cellos saw mournfully behind. “Radar” is quick-speak, words rushing past in excitement and frustration, as the musical backing remains sedate. The title track closely traces Lucinda Williams’ dramatic arc, proving Feeny’s note-taking is as gifted as her execution.