Cass McCombs has long belonged to the American guild of outsiders and authentic singer / songwriters. Just like with colleagues such as and , his albums always sound too frayed and idiosyncratic to reach the mainstream. Mangy Love is also such a record. McCombs tackles this with an extensive band and a variety of guest musicians. Influences of mellow soul can be heard, in strongly rhythmic songs
… such as opener Bum Bum Bum or Laughter Is The Best Medicine, not to mention the sultry falsetto voice that he sometimes puts on. But no, McCombs is not and there is no question of danceability. The songs are too introspective and ultimately too uncomfortable for that. But Mangy Love is certainly worth listening to, with beautiful and poetic songs like Opposite House and I'm A Shoe. (MR)more
