Erin Mckeown

Singer/songwriters often try to do it all. They write, sing, and play their own guitar. While some manage to do all three things at once without falling flat on their faces, others hit the pavement from time to time. Peter Mulvey avoids this dilemma on Ten Thousand Mornings by choosing to interpret a handful of songs from names like Dylan and Costello, and concentrating on his vocals and acoustic guitar work. It only takes versions of Paul Simon's "Stranded in a Limousine" and Marvin Gaye/James Jr. Nyx's "Inner City Blues" to realize that this is a smart choice. Mulvey's unusual covers and smart interpretations deliver fresh, non-pretentious takes on these tunes.