Anne McCue's New Album to Feature all-star guests

Australian alt-rocker Anne McCue’s career has seen her performing alongside Emmylou Harris, touring as part of Lilith Fair and recording “More Than This,” a song made famous by its appearance on Dawson’s Creek. But when asked about her hopes for her fourth solo release, Koala Motel, she gives a modest response: “I want people to hear it and like it."

McCue describes the album, set for a Sept. 19 release on Messenger Records, as a blend of classic rock, alt-country and acoustic work with an “alternative edge.” She drew inspiration from such musical heavyweights as Neil Young, the Doors and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, as well as Lucinda Williams, who lent her vocals to “Hellfire Raiser.”

Williams was not the only prolific artist to make an appearance on the album. Ex-punk roots artist John Doe, singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale and Heart’s Nancy Wilson all sang on Koala Motel, with Wilson also strumming mandolin on one track. McCue speaks highly of the guest artists, noting that they each added something special to the CD. Of Doe’s vocals on the album’s opener, McCue says, “He does sound a bit like Jim Morrison on that track. It’s kind of spooky. And his voice is so rich and beautiful-sounding. It really added a nice texture to the song.” She goes on to praise Lauderdale, saying, “he’s got that beautiful voice. It’s like silk,” and to describe Williams’ contribution as “perfect.”

McCue also credits her band, remarking that having a chance to play with them for a few years added an organic feel to the album, and the people who helped her choose the track arrangement -- including Messenger Records founder Brandon Kessler -- so that it had “a real narrative … and a real flow.”

Although her aspirations for this highly collaborative work are simple, McCue is still pleased with the final product. “I think it’s my best album that I’ve made because it’s the most organic,” she says. “It all seems to fit together very well.”

For more information, visit annemccue.com.