Ten Women With Something to Say
Merritt, Moorer Offer Strong Singer-Songwriter Albums

By: Craig Shelburne


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The term "singer-songwriter" often calls to mind a rather dull, plainly-dressed
individual contemplating why they can't find true love. Most of the time, it's
because they're so damn boring! Not so with these women, who do not wallow in
misery, nor if (isNaN(document.axel)) {document.axel = Math.random() + ""; ord =
document.axel * 1000000000000000000;}var ad = '';document.write(ad);
do they dilute their insightful lyrics for the sake of appearing cuter. They
each have a true musical vision and, for the adventurous country fan, it's very
much worth a listen. Here, in alphabetical order by artist, are 10 albums
released this year by women with something to say.

Kasey Chambers, Wayward Angel (Warner Bros.): This Australian topped the
Americana chart with her country, rock and bluegrass blend. Many songs here are
about stardom, but she's still unafraid to sing about gettin' it on.

Favorite Lyric: These are just things that I've been given/For a plastic way of
living/And I'm not sure if that really is my style.

Julia Fordham, That's Life (Vanguard): If you consider a sense of humor to be
sexy, then meet Ms. Fordham. Her wicked, sharp insights are never betrayed by
her deep, sensuous vocals. A very comfortable listen.

Favorite lyric: Welcome to my movie/I have cast myself as fabulous and lonely.

Patty Griffin, Impossible Dream (ATO): Just when she takes you to the edge of
despair, she throws a line, and you feel like there's hope. It also astounds me
with every listen how she can say so much in so few words.

Favorite lyric: Isn't it hard sometimes?/Isn't it lonely?/How I still hang
around here/And there's nothing to hold me.

Lori McKenna, Bittertown (Signature Sounds): She is one of the few who can write
about her hometown and her husband without sounding like a cheeseball. An
old-fashioned approach rarely sounds so fresh.

Favorite lyric: They're building up big houses/Back behind the school where we
used to/Drink our beer on Friday nights/And pretend that we were lovers in your
car.

Angela McCluskey, The Things We Do (Manhattan): With her distinct, Macy
Gray-like vocals, McCluskey has crafted (with producer Nathan Larson) a
fearless, candid album about navigating through her rotten relationships.

Favorite lyric: I've been digging at a ditch, my dear/But I hit concrete late
last year/The spade and the shovel/And all kinds of trouble/Came and stripped me
of my natural cheer.

Tift Merritt, Tambourine (Lost Highway): This time, she found inspiration in her
R&B records, but when she turns to her lost hometown in "Laid a Highway," her
regret is palpable. And the melodies are killer.

Favorite lyric: I told him that he better go/'Cause I was crazy and impossible.

Allison Moorer, The Duel (Sugar Hill): For her first indie release, Moorer faces
the big issues, from bandwagon politics to watching love not only die but also
be buried. Powerful singing, as always.

Favorite lyric: Sign up and get a flag/Wear it proudly, you can brag/To the
fools who didn't volunteer.

Mindy Smith, One Moment More (Vanguard): One of my first favorite local singers,
she long ago won me over with her endearing stage presence and naked lyrics.
Years later, the heartfelt title track has lost none of its impact.

Favorite lyric: You can try to keep me down/You can try to keep me under/But
you'll never get my will/You'll never take my will to fight.

Holly Williams, The Ones We Never Knew (Universal South): Knowing her lineage
(she's Hank Jr.'s daughter) enhances some of the lyrics, but her emotions are
universal. Her hearty voice indicates that she lives and breathes music.

Favorite lyric: I read pain from a young boy whose father left too early/Whose
mother tried to mold him into what she'd love to be.

Kate York, Kate York (Self-released): A rising star in the Nashville club scene,
York makes melodies seem effortless. Made with guys accustomed to playing live,
this EP is an enchanting (if addictive) calling card.

Favorite lyric: But I'm always on the outside/On the outside of forever/Looking
in/But there's never room for me.




Richard O Jones
Creative Director
Clownflower Alley
'a ministry of joy'


http://clownflower.com
(513) 894-4569
BossClown@...



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