 Freakwater, Springtime
(Thrill Jockey 1998) - Springtime is the fifth release
from Freakwater, a Louisville-based bluegrass quartet. With their quirky songs built around a classic bluegrass
background, Freakwater is the Nick Cave of bluegrass recordings.
Which is to say, there's some downbeat material amid songs like "Washed in the Blood," "Twisted
Wire," and "Jesus Year." But that's not to say that the music is morbid or excessively twisted.
 Freakwater consists of guitarists
and singers Catherine Ann Irwin and Janet Beveridge Bean, who are joined by David
Wayne Gay and newcomer Max Konrad Johnston (formerly of Wilco).
 The quartet's past gives
some indication of their music: Catherine Irwin played in a punk-rock band with her brother called the "Dick
Brains," and Janet Bean once thrived on Tammy Wynette songs.
Catherine and Janet have played together for nearly 15 years, and now live six hours apart from each other: Says
Irwin, "I think people who are married shouldn't live in the same town - it kind of keeps the magic alive."
Death and liquor are among Freakwater's most popular themes, and are deftly joined in "Picture in My Mind,"
in which the band sings, "Whiskey is not evil/When it's sitting on the shelf . . . A shotgun never shot no
one/When it's hanging on the wall."
Freakwater shows that bluegrass is not a dusty relic of the 30s. Not for everyone, Springtime is
a strong release.
 Gov't
Mule, Dose (Capricorn 1998) - The trio known as Gov't Mule (says
the band, "The name kind of describes us: we're a slow, hard working, non-glorious animal") are another
new signing to Capricorn Records, the revitalized Atlanta-based label. Influenced by grunge, Dose
is a classic power trio with a twist of country blues.
Gov't Mule consists of Warren Haynes on vocal and guitars, Allen
Woody on bass, and Matt Abts on drums. The threesome has extensive live experience, both
together and as members of such acclaimed groups as the Allman Bros. Band and the Dickey
Betts Band.
For their third recording, the group recruited producer Michael Barbiero, who has worked with
such bands as Soundgarden, Blues Traveler, and Guns 'n Roses. Says drummer Abts,
"For Dose, we experimented with a lot of different sounds and textures in the studio, yet
Michael captured the spark and freshness of a live setting."
Gov't Mule is a throwback to the late 60's blues-based rock trios. The surprising standout cut is "She Said,
She Said," a bluesy and fully satisfying cover of the Beatles' song.
Maybe some of the new southern rock bands (such as Hootie) have titillated you, but haven't rocked
hard enough. Dose won't let you down, as it is a solid slice of southern blues rock.
 Michelle Malone, Beneath the
Devil Moon (Velvel Records 1997) - Thirty-year-old Michelle Malone,
a native of Atlanta, is one of pop music's unheralded players. Since meeting the Indigo Girls
a decade ago, Michelle has recorded seven albums, including projects with her bands, Drag the River
and Band de Soleil. With Beneath the Devil Moon, Michelle shows her skills and
maturity.
Beneath the Devil Moon boasts 11 songs, seven of which were co-produced by David Ryne
Harris (who has worked with Dionne Farris). Michelle provides vocals and guitars, and
is joined on several tracks by Band de Soleil (with Mike Snowden on bass and
Danny Bigay on drums). In addition, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers contribute backing
vocals on two cuts ("All My Lifetime" and "Devil Blues").
Says Michelle, "After ten years of making music, you get a certain style or vibe. I really tried to focus
on the vocals on the record. I thought maybe I had to try to prove I could sing . . . It's liberating when you
get a certain amount of self-esteem. You don't have to argue it with people any more or defend yourself."
Michelle reminds me of Brenda Kahn, a folky rocker who is capable of unleashing a blistering pop-rock
song. And the standout cut here is "My Green Thumb," a radio-friendly cut that brings to mind a rocking
Sheryl Crow.
Michelle has paid her dues, and deserves success. If radio finds "My Green Thumb," Michelle could enjoy
a good year.
- Randy Krbechek © 1998
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