Double Roses

Karen Elson’s songs feel like the soundtrack to an unearthed photograph: weathered, mysterious, textured by time. Her second album—following a seven-year break—is a lush mix of psychedelia and folk, with hints of windswept country (“A Million Stars”) and orchestral grandeur (“Call Your Name”). Elson’s guests (Laura Marling, Father John Misty, and The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney, to name a few) are impressive company to keep, but never overwhelm Elson’s penetrating yet ethereal presence.

In the seven years since Karen Elson’s The Ghost Who Walks, there have been glimpses of the woman who was to emerge on Double Roses.

Perhaps it’s turned out to be a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth, because ‘Double Roses’ feels weirdly half-baked.

Back in 2010 Third Man Records had truly began its singular vision of bringing vinyl and old timey sensibilities back into an industry whose future

Seven years after her last album, and in the wake of a breakup with Jack White, the model and singer-songwriter embraces Laurel Canyon lusciousness