Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Do you ever pine for the days of old time country, rock and roll, and rockabilly but with the sound quality of today? Then pine no more because Love You To Life by Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones is what you have been waiting for. Lara’s voice is gorgeous and very versatile. She can sing both country and western.  All kidding aside, Lara’s voice is strong and she can hit notes like a boxer hitting the speed bag. Her sultry voice is perfect for this genre.

They won the 2017 Ameripolitan Music Award for Best Female Rockabilly Artist. Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones have paid their dues, seeming to be on tour perpetually. Even before they won the 2017 Ameripolitan Award, Lara Hope and company have built up a huge network or fans, both in the US and overseas. Their constant touring has helped them hone their skills as musicians as well.

Although their live shows are quite energetic and bristling with electricity, Love You To Life does a really good job of harnessing some of that live energy. Lara Hope & The Ark Tones do a great job of using humor in their songs in a way that does not come across as trite or corny. Something that is very difficult to achieve, as I have commented before. They are quite successful as doing this. 

A good example of humor in the Ark-Tone’s music is none other than the title track, Love You To Life (Track 2). Just take a gander at these lyrics: 

I love you more than I did yesterday, yesterday, yesterday
I love you more than I did yesterday 
Cause yesterday you kind of pissed me off 

I need you now more than I needed you then,
needed you then, more then I needed you then 
I need you now more than I needed you then 
Cause yesterday you kind of pissed me off 

This is a playful song about lover’s quarrels. Lara really has a lovely voice and it truly stands out on this number. There seems to be a bit of a Latin flare to this song. This is a great song to dance to and get sweaty. Something about this song is infectious.

Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones also cover The White Stripes’ Hotel Yorba (Track 11) and really make this song their own. This is another fun and quirky number, which is the space that Lara seems to like. I like it also. It is a little moving and humorous at the same moment. This song is a little bit folk and a little bit Vaudeville and it totally works. Similar to pretzels and ice cream. 

This is a really fine album with a lot of fun songs that are made to be played over and over. Listening one time does not provide the satisfaction necessary to stop listening. It takes at least three listens to take care of that. This album belongs on everyone’s playlist for when it’s time to break out “the good stuff”. 
Listen and buy Love You To Life

Also, Lara Hope & The Arktones’ website is completely amazing. The colors, artwork, and design are truly top tier. 
Check it out