The Magdalenes

“Threadbare” / “Harvest” (Noisy Revolution)
by Mark Phinney

More like a country bumpkin’s idea of roots rock and country-sweet ballads, this band stakes a claim in the happening rockabilly scene. If they’re cool with it, so am I. Simply because, whatever they are, The Magdalenes swing and they make me cry. J. V. McDonough has one of the most honey-laced voices I’ve heard in years, and brings it all back to the original country divas of the past. “Threadbare” is a kickin’, country-injected rocker, but most notable is the the B-side “Harvest,” one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. The lyricism and harmony are pure perfection. The song takes you on a lonely ride through your memories and leaves you stirring for hours.