Cut Yourself a Switch
Catherine Irwin, half of popular "insurgent country" outfitFreakwater, 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 byElvis Presley, theCarter Family,Roger Miller,Pee Wee King, andJohnny Paycheck), are mesmerizing.--Jillian Steinberger