:: Let You Down

Natalie Merchant

Natalie has probably suffered after her “Ophelia” album a few years ago. Younger female stars have emerged and taken the spotlight. This album reflects a very personal set of songs. She joins forces with T-Bone Burnett (produced The Counting Crows, amongst others), and the result actually tends towards a more R&B-influenced style. Some highlight tracks include the title song, plus “This House Is On Fire”, a folk rock song with things to say, and “Golden Boy”, a rather dark moment. Natalie has backing vocalist Mavis Staples, a gospel singer, to lend a hand on “Saint Judas” and “Build A Levee”. Intimacy comes at the end with “I’m Not Gonna Beg”. Overall, it could be too demanding for the attention span, but Natalie pinpoints some true feelings in her own individual manner, and it’s meritorious. It could be considered her best work yet and it’s interesting to note that it contains the poignancy one could devote to the post-September terrorism sentiments (she actually finished these songs a few days prior). http://www.nataliemerchant.com