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The rest of the material ranges from mediocre to stuff that is cringeworthy. I am a huge fan but the truth is this album is a big step down from the levels she achieved with Carwheels and continuing with her next two albums. Her attempts to loosen things up and write stream of consciousness lyrics or perform in a totally spontaneous way plays to her weaknesses. "I'm Learning How." is an absolute classic. For that alone I give the album two stars. Lucinda is best when she creates finely crafted songs and then works with a good producer to hone the sound of each song. Sorry Lucinda.
There have already been plenty of reviews, I just want to say, this is a great cd. I really liked the song "Wrap my Head" (Wrap my Head around That). This is a great cd, and I recommend it. Thanks.
I'm sorry to say this is the first Lucinda Williams cd I've purchased. I've often thought of giving her a try, rather than just catching her on public radio but for some reason I never did. West is an excellent record.vocals, arrangements, musicianship, tone.and I popped this in after listening to Megadeath before it. Gonna grab her earlier cd's now, I'm hooked.
I mentioned in a review of that CD that very seldom did anyone cover a Hank Williams song better than he did himself. I do not understand what is driving her on some of these songs. I first heard the compelling nasally slow draw (in the good sense) voice of Lucinda Williams on tribute albums. Finally, I noted the fine job that she did on a duet with John Prine on "Wedding Bells" on his "In Spite Of Ourselves" cover album of country classics.That said, although I have high, very high regard for Ms. As I say, the rest is so-so and suffer a little from trying to cross-over from her country base. I noted the exception of Lucinda on that rendition of "Cold, Cold Heart". This album under review is such a case.
A few do, however, stand out. First, on the Hank Williams tribute album, "Timeless", where she did a cover of his classic tale of love's trials and tribulations "Cold, Cold Heart". She, obviously, can write thoughtfully of love, lost, the cruel nature of the world, her family and other subjects but for the most part that feeling I got from the above-mentioned efforts is missing here. I also made the same statement on her cover of Mississippi John Hurt's "Beulah Land" on his tribute album. Williams' cover work I am more ambivalent about her own albums. "Mama You Sweet", "Words", "West" and "Rescue" clearly rise to the occasion.
Wonderful CD. Can't wait for the new CD to come out in a few days. She is great live and so talented.
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