Carrie Ann Carroll, You Should Know (independent, 2014) Kathy Kallick, Cut to the Chase (Live Oak, 2014) Some years ago alternative country -- or "alt.country" as it was often called -- seemed to be a genre in the making. Instead, the anodyne and meaningless designation "Americana" rose to prominence in its place, and alt.country would be no more. Too bad. Recordings like Carrie Ann Carroll's You Should Know and Kathy Kallick's Cut to the Chase represent what a grown-up country music might have sounded like if over the past two decades the minions of Music City hadn't opted for undiluted swill.
Otherwise, the songs are all Kallick's solo creations. Many give the impression of being autobiographical, almost audibly carrying the weight of memory. "Rustler's Girl" takes its inspiration, though not its melody, from old ballads in which lovers are separated and, usually seven years later, reunited. "Not As Lonesome As Me" might be characterized loosely as a hobo song, but one that takes a standard theme in unexpected directions.
One effect is an unexpected realism which cuts through the romantic cliches of country songwriting. In any event, no Nashville hack will ever conjure up something so layered -- or so aggressively titled -- as "You Know What's Really F*cked Up? (Is Not the Way to Break the News to a Girl Who Used to Love You)." If a Nashville act were to cover this song and perform it with the deadly perfection Carroll achieves, I'd have to consider apologizing for the sentiment expressed in the last sentence of the first paragraph above. Not being particularly insane, I won't hold my breath. If you're looking to hear what country music ought to be about in the second decade of the 21st century, though, you've got You Should Know awaiting your attention. You can thank me later. ![]() |
![]() Rambles.NET music review by Jerome Clark 7 June 2014 Agree? Disagree? Send us your opinions! ![]() Click on a cover image to make a selection. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |