Pink Pearl
LikeAimee Mann, Jill Sobule had a hit early (1995's "I Kissed a Girl") and then was dropped by her major label. Now that the dust has settled, one can only hope that, like Mann, Sobule will reap the artistic and commercial recognition she deserves. Though no slouch in the melody department, Sobule really shines as a deft lyricist. On songs that act as many self-contained vignettes, she captures life's little miseries and epiphanies with economy and understated humor. Though she isn't afraid to tackle wide topics ("Heroes" reveals our icons' feet of clay with lines such as "Heard Babe Ruth was full of malice / Lewis Carroll I'm sure did Alice"), Sobule's specialty is to focus on individuals in a way that's both sharp-witted and compassionate. In the end,Pink Pearl's greatest accomplishment is showing that there are as many good song subjects as there are people around us--you only need to pay attention.--Elisabeth Vincentelli