I've followed Lori McKenna for a number of years. She is definitely one of my favorite singers and songwriters. I got to see her a few years ago at a folk and bluegrass festival at Snowbird ski resort. Afterward she autographed her "Unglamorous" cd for me. When I asked for a picture she raced around the merch table and threw her arm around my waist (about as high as she could reach!) then had her assistant snap the shot, twice for good measure! She does love her fans! Her songs have been recorded by many well known country singers. Most recently Keith Urban covered "The Luxury of Knowing", first track on this cd. The album is titled Lorraine, Lori's full name and her mother's who died when Lori was 7. That gives a pretty good idea of where this record is headed. It's the most personal, autobiographical work she has ever done. It's a very cohesive collection of heartfelt, ofttimes heart wrenching songs. I also think it's the most cohesive, consistent work she's ever done. All tracks are great, but my favorites are: "If He Tried", "Lorraine", "You Get a Love Song", "Buy This Town", "That's How You Know" and "Sweet Disposition". "If He Tried" re-visits the neglected housewife theme reminiscent of "Stealing Kisses", Faith Hill's fine cover. I predict some savvy country singer is going to latch onto "Sweet Disposition" and have a huge hit on her hands. I can't stop myself from singing a bit of harmony whenever the phrase "Sweet Disposition" shows up at the end of a verse. Piano is also effectively used on this album as on "If He Tried" and "Still Down Here", the final track. On "Still Down Here" she's that fragile, vulnerable little kid desperately missing her mother. Very intimate, very tender. This one's a must have!
For more information see: http://performingsongwriter.com/lori-mckenna-lorraine/
This site is a great source for all things singer/songwriter.
I've inserted a video of "The Luxury of Knowing". Enjoy!
2 comments:
Dad, glad to see you got your music blog up and running. I do like Lori's deep throaty sounding voice. She seems to put a lot of her soul and heart into her music, which is what makes her so good a song writer. Maybe I can have Jason get me this CD for Valentines' Day.
You were almost neighbors back when you lived in Mass. Too bad you didn't know to see her live back then, but you may get an opportunity while you're in DC. The Birchmere would be a natural for her. I intend to update the blog weekly, so stay tuned!
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