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Whenever an established artist releases an album full of covers you’re often left to wonder if it was due to writer’s block or a creative lull. It’s especially true when the song selection and interpretations are dull or cookie-cutter like. But albums like Mockingbird by Allison Moorer show us all that cover albums CAN actually be interesting and creative. As with most great cover albums, Moorer has an overall theme and seems to have a strong connection with all the songs. the songs are all written by female songwriters. she explained in the press release that she wanted to become a better songwriter by exploring other female songwriters. Moorer is quoted in saying “I have spent years and years in my own head and my own little world, and this was a break to explore how other singer/songwriters experience life.” She goes on to say, “It made me a better singer, too… Both working with Buddy (Miller) and considering how these lyrics, melodies and emotions fell. This got me to stretch vocally more than I have in a long time, so that growth was thrilling.” with the intriguing song selection and Moorer’s wonderful vocal work, the album is a fun ride and enjoyable to listen to. Producer Buddy Miller did a great job in keeping the song arrangements varied and colorful without going overboard. Highlights include: Ring of Fire, Dancing Barefoot, Revelator, Where is My Love and Orphan Train.

TrackList:
01. Mockingbird (Allison Moorer)
02. Ring of Fire (June Carter Cash/Merle Kilgore)
03. Dancing Barefoot (Patti Smith/Ivan Krall)
04. I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl (Nina Simone)
05. Go, Leave (Kate McGarrigle)
06. Revelator (Gillian Welch)
07. Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell)
08. Daddy, Goodbye Blues (Ma Rainey)
09. She Knows Where She Goes (Shelby Lynne/Bill Botrell)
10. Orphan Train (Julie Miller)
11. Where Is My Love (Cat Power)
12. I’m Looking For Blue Eyes (Jessie Colter)

listen to I Want a Little Sugar In My Bowl from Mockingbird:

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purchase Mockingbird at Amazon.com:

Catch Allison Moorer on tour now with her husband Steve Earle:
Thu 02/28/08 Northampton, MA Calvin Theater
Fri 02/29/08 Somerville, MA Somerville Theatre
Sat 03/01/08 Montreal, QC Theatre Outremont
Mon 03/03/08 Ottawa, ON Bronson Centre
Tue 03/04/08 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
Wed 03/05/08 Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Theater
Fri 03/07/08 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
Sat 03/08/08 Madison, WI Barrymore Theatre
Sun 03/09/08 Minneapolis, MN Pantages Theatre
Mon 03/10/08 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre
Wed 03/12/08 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Thu 03/13/08 Banff, AB Eric Harvie Theatre
Sat 03/15/08 Vancouver, BC Centre In Vancouver For Perf. Arts
Sun 03/16/08 Victoria, BC Royal Theatre
Tue 03/18/08 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
Wed 03/19/08 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
Fri 03/21/08 San Francisco, CA Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre
Sat 03/22/08 San Francisco, CA Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre
Sun 03/23/08 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
Tue 03/25/08 Los Angeles, CA Royce Hall Auditorium

Related posts:

1. the Weepies announce 2010 Be My Thrill tour dates
2. Keith Emerson and Greg Lake to tour in April 2010
3. recent reviews

Filed under:
music, reviews by retroDan