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I'm Staying Out - Caitlin Cary | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
Caitlin Cary isn't a name many fans in country music know. Some "alt-country" fans may know her as the female member of Whiskeytown but with the release of I'm Staying Out Caitlin continues what she established with her debut solo release While You Weren't Looking, last year: She's a presence to be reckoned with, even if she lacks the major label record deal that like artist Tift Merritt has.
Featuring a pleasing mix of folk, country and pop, Caitlin Cary is also like Seattle-based songwriter Holly Figueroa in that she writes songs that transcend time. Like Lucinda Williams, Caitlin blurs so many genre boundaries that she is un-catagorizable and she makes her music just for the sake of making it.
Both the opening track "Empty Rooms" and second track "Sleeping In On Sunday" have a pleasant folk-pop sound that would fit nicely on both Alt-Country stations but also on Adult Rock radio stations. They both have a feel that reminds me of 1970's songwriters like Carole King and Carly Simon.
"The Next One" showcases Caitlin as a woman who can sing a torch song like a la Patsy Cline. Not only can she sing one, she wrote it as well. Traditional country/pop fans will love this tear-in-your beer ballad. The whole production, courtesy of Christ Stamey, is delightful. This is also the first song which we find Caitlin breaking out her fiddle which she played so beautifully as a member of Whiskeytown.
"Cello Girl" is a song that's currently being played on adult rock station. Caitlin's vocals have a husky sound reminiscent of Alison Moorer here and the rock guitar sounds certainly wouldn't fit on country radio but I really like this song and hope it does well for Caitlin.
"Beauty Fades" is a fiddle and mandolin laced country rocker that would've fit on any Whiskeytown record. It is a song that has all the elements of a strong song: great lyrics, musicianship and production.
The title track, "I'm Staying Out" has lyrics (and a melodic sound) that would fit on any Loretta Lynn album. I think this is the type of song that someone like Patty Loveless or Trisha Yearwood could take and make their own. Heck, even Loretta her self could record this proclamation of independence on her next record.
When I hear this fine record, I can't help but wonder if the critics, and myself really, have praised the wrong former member of Whiskeytown. Sure Ryan Adams is a fine talent but his records, while coming short of brilliance, tend to have little focus and too many tracks whereas Caitlin Cary's album is a completely focused endeavor. With more albums like this, Caitlin will be up there with Lucinda Williams as the reigning queen of Alt-Country music.
Song List:
Audio clip courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
Album cover, used with permission of Yep Rock Records.
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