The Ginn Sisters

Blood Oranges (Sweetbird)

There are few sounds sweeter than siblings harmonizing, and like dessert to their 2004 debut, Generally Happy, the Ginn Sisters’ Blood Oranges is a ripe, tasty offering. They wear their small-town Texas upbringing with familial pride, while Bradley Kopp’s production balances their rich vocals with austere, outstanding musicianship. Lead vocalist Tiffani wrote or co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs (Abi Tapia contributed “Get It & Go”) and carries the melody vocals with panache while playing guitar on “Not My Friend,” “Hard Fall,” “Broken Spirit,” and the witty “Down the Drain.” Younger sister Brit’s sweet harmony chimes high, playing Helen to Anita Carter, especially on “Leave Me Standing” and the sublime ending of “Hard Fall,” but turns to melody too on “Let It Burn.” Some of Blood Oranges‘ pure Americana moments come when Tiffani and Brit croon to guitar alone, such as on “Not My Friend” and “Dancing Shoes.” “Keep me in mind, me and my dancing shoes” melt their voices over the song like honey on an August day. Blood ties are thicker than water and the Ginn Sisters are cool countrified tonic for the summertime blues.

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This article appears in July 7 • 2006.

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