As bassist and erstwhile leader of San Franciscos finest Tex-Mex-surf-polka-country-pop band the Movie Stars, Jill Olson shared songwriting duties with three diverse writers. Their two indie releases showed the band to be masterful musicians and interpreters but only hinted at their respective songwriting abilities. After the Movie Stars disbanded, Olson spent time performing with British expatriate John Wesley Harding and actress/singer Mare Winningham. On her first solo effort, she has toned down the fervent eclecticism in favor of a more straight-ahead record bristling with pop gems full of heart.
The nine original songs on The Gal Who Would Be King alternate between twang and chime, with a touch of cha-cha (Thats What You Say) and a little Celtic (Pot of Gold). The lone cover on the disc is a spirited romp through Americas Sister Golden Hair. The standard two guitars/bass/drums lineup is complemented by the occasional pedal steel, violin and trombone. Former Movie Star Michael Montalto contributes tasteful guitar leads throughout, whether hes copping Beatles licks as in Right Words or picking gently on the acoustic in Im Not Done. Olsons voice is sweet and assured throughout, and, as befitting a pop album, the harmonies are upbeat and tight.
Lyrically, Olson touches on themes of strength and vulnerability. In Right Words, the wordsmith questions her abilities: If I could ever get my mind around this thing / Im sure that I could conquer anything in the world / But I need the words. In Dripping and Drowned, the murderess character is haunted by her former lover.
While the loss of a much-loved band is always hard to swallow, in this case it brought forth a songwriting talent to treasure.
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