published: 8 /
8 /
2007
Label:
Wichita Recordings
Format: CD
Appealing collection of mainly covers on first solo album from Espers' singer Meg Baird
Review
One half of Espers Baird sisters, Meg, goes solo with a batch of classics, obscure and popular, plus two of her own songs that hint at her background in muddy waters. The full picture of this americanaña, or whatever the female of Americana might be, is that of a coherent and considerate collection of compelling compositions. Meg Baird has a wonderfully clear and pure voice, with just that tad bit of hesitation, close to a yodel in fact. File next to Joan Baez and Dolly Parton as odd as that may seem.
My favourite tracks are those Meg wrote herself. The sober orchestration of the cover tracks strips down those compositions and means that they break no new ground. Still, this modest little effort proved to be a dear companion over the past weeks.
Track Listing:-
1
Dear Companion
2
River Song
3
The Cruelty of Barbary Allen
4
Do What You Gotta Do
5
Riverhouse in Tinicum
6
The Waltze of the Tennis Players
7
Maiden in the Moor Lay
8
Sweet William and Fair Ellen
9
All I Ever Wanted
10
Willie O’Winsbury
11
Dear Companion