Simple Gearle
In the new old-school country vein ofIris DeMentandGillian Welch, with a touch ofNanci Griffith's soft, twangy Texas phrasing, Stacey Earle has made an acoustic record of stunning simplicity and everyday grace. Most striking, along with the elegant arrangements, is Earle's finely honed, though never flaunted, vocal prowess. "Silly You" is a stellar example of her expressively wending warble, which is remarkably akin toPatty Griffin's.Simple Gearleoozes sweet old-fashioned charm--from the vinyl-LP crackles at the beginning, middle, and end, to her recognition of family (Earle's band is called the Jewels in honor of one granny; the disc is dedicated to the other). And big brotherSteveeven lends harmony vocals to the lovely "Losers Weep."--Paige La Grone