Kristie Stremel
All I Really Want
Slewfoot Records SF804

by Al Kunz

Lee's Liquor Lounge. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Empty but for remnants of the after work crowd. I'm here early. Got my table staked out on the edge of the dance floor. The Slewfoot Records 'Calvacade of Stars' is coming to town.

Five acts, one long night of music. The Morrels and the Domino Kings. Yeah, heard great things about both. Duane Jarvis. Haven't seen him in forever; can't wait to hear his new stuff. Honky Tonk Chateau. Haven't heard of them; I guess Honky Tonk might tell the story.

But who is Kristie Stremel?

Musicians trickle in carrying instrument cases. Suddenly the place seems a lot fuller. There's Lou Whitney from the Morrels. Duane's making a call from across the room. That must be Kristie over there. She's got that bad girl guitarist look down cold, but appears shy, maybe a bit nervous. I get the impression the white cowboy hat is for something to hide behind.

Ringer, a local country cover band, take the stage. Guess we get six bands for the price of one tonight. The normal Monday night crowd hits the dance floor. The dancers are still going strong as Honky Tonk Chateau finishes.

Time now for Kristie's set. "Ah, folks --- Um, you might want to listen a bit before you try to dance to this." Still looking a bit nervous, glances back, the drummer nods, the band's ready. As she turns back her body relaxes. Facing the crowd, no longer hiding behind her hat, an infectious smile forms as the first notes scream from her guitar. Within seconds I'm hooked.

But who is Kristie Stremel?

Originally from Hays, Kansas, Stremel has spent the last several years in the Kansas City area, initially as a member of Frogpond, an alternative rock outfit. They released a CD produced by Everclear's Art Alexakis that spawned some minor radio hits. Next was a stint fronting her own band, Exit 159. Extensive local radio play and regional music awards raised her profile still further. A limited pressing EP as a solo artist after the demise of Exit 159 brings us to the present.

The dancers sit back until a brave couple finally hit the floor and start to swing. As Stremel performs songs from All I Really Want, her just released full length solo debut, the dance floor fills.

All I Really Want begins as a relationship is ending in "Shaky Hands" and finishes with the hope of finding someone new in "Bright Red Shirt". In between Stremel guides us through the cycle of a relationship's ups and downs. Described as rock or power-pop and comparisons to Melissa Etheridge and Joan Jett all give us a reasonable picture of her sound. However more subtle influences acquired while playing songs from Dad's country records on her first electric guitar linger in the background.

Resignation that a relationship has run it's course and coming to grips with the situation is the subject of "Shaky Hands".

I don't want to stay here forever
Just because I can
Damn these shaky hands
And damn this stupid heart
Cause it maybe could have been
Now I don't get to see my baby again

Next up is "Good to You", Kristie's version of the obligatory 'driving back to you' song. Like Bruce Robison's "Drivin' All Night Long" and Greg Trooper's "Nothin' But You" it sings of a long drive to see a lover, hoping to save the relationship. In spite of the less than original theme this is one of my favorite songs on the disc. The rocking beat and an infectious hook pull you in and won't let go.

And what are we going to do
And what do I mean to you
Send me a confirmation
Tell me everything's alright
Cause I got my pen and paper
I feel like writing tonight
Everything's just fine
As long as I'm good to you

The country influence jumps into the open on "More Than a Little Bit". Kicking off with an uptempo country sound then evolving into an upbeat rocker this number straddles the fence between the two styles with aplomb.

Seems it got a little bit tough
Hanging on to me
Hey, but I never gave up
On you and me
I'll give you more than a little bit
More of what I got

Picture an '80s girl group, the Bangles or maybe the Go Go's. Now add a catchy pop beat as they dance and sing the chorus "Everyday I just want to see you, be you/ Everyday I just want to say I do/ I don't know where it's going to go/ But it sure feels good". A tribute to the thrills of love, "The Right Name" has now put us in the right frame of mind to go in search of new love on the closing track, "Bright Red Shirt".

Coffee, the nicotine, a waitress,
And bad, bad dreams
Seem to be the only thing

But I'd crawl through this pay phone
Just to find my way home
But I haven't got the change

Tonight I'll fall in love
With an angel in a bright red shirt

You can call it rock or power-pop. Her record company describes it as "closer to the rock end of Americana". It doesn't really matter the label you choose, it's great music. All I Really Want is now available on the internet from amazon.com. For song samples and more about Kristie visit www.kristiestremel.com on the web.

Contact Al Kunz at kunz-at-rockzilla.net

 
Read Rockzilla's Guestbook
Sign Rockzilla's Guestbook