Catherine Irwin, half of popular "insurgent country" outfit Freakwater, continues that band's tales of love, death, and addiction on her first solo release, one of 2002's elite albums. The Appalachian, old-timey ache in her creaky voice combines powerfully with the sweetness and honesty imparted by her affecting timbre on this twisted, country-dada album--simultaneously historical, modern, and timeless. Irwin can sound otherworldly, like the Lord's minion or a ghost ("Hex"); like a vulnerable child or prodigal daughter ("The Only Hell My Momma Ever Raised"); a sexy siren or broken-hearted woman ("Swan Dive"). She's also a gifted lyricist. "Cry Our Little Eyes Out" has fancy-fine acoustic guitar tweedles and twists accompanied by arresting lyrics: "All those who weep bitter tears / And pray to God to calm their fears / Falling down from a clear blue sky / Angels bear their wings to dry your eyes." These 12 songs (including five covers by Elvis Presley, the Carter Family, Roger Miller, Pee Wee King, and Johnny Paycheck), are mesmerizing. --Jillian Steinberger
This album is not available digitally, therefore it sits on my [holy] shelf alongside "A Gentle Evening With Townes Van Zandt." I have a major crush on Catherine even if she misspells her name with a C. My ten year old daughter, a Freakwater fan, says the songs are "about stuff" vs not. She was disappointed to learn that Catherine did not write "The Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised."
This music is really beautiful. I prefer Irwin's original rendition of "Hex" than Neko Case's, because it is quirky and slower, and simply more soulful and desperate. Every song is great. I listen to it often.
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