If you are a paid up subscriber to the theory that CAR
WHEELS ON A GRAVEL ROAD is by far the finest segment of the Lucinda Williams
back catalogue then standby for a release that will at least challenge your
perception. With a vocal acumen that gets richer in age and an appetite to
re-discover her southern roots, DOWN WHERE THE SPIRIT MEETS THE BONE sees
Lucinda capture the mood of the land, moment and feeling to embark on a
prolific bout of stunning song writing and stellar music production. This 20
track collection signals a return of the classic double album and, while
certainly not for the meek, submerging yourself into this golden seam of
country soul will leave a prolonged essence of gratifying satisfaction.
Finding time in your busy lives to listen intently to all
103 minutes of both discs in one sitting may be tough but essential at least
once or twice and it’s nigh on impossible to hone in on a stand out number.
However no review would be complete without earmarking those tracks having a
profound early effect and possibly may serve as focal points. ‘West Memphis’ recounts a miscarriage of
justice in a resigned sort of way awash with sultry grooves and a languid
backbeat. ‘Burning Bridges’ possesses
the album’s knockout melody and is definitely a radio-friendly track, although
in my book radio would be improved by playing any of the 20 songs. On the
subject of airplay, the mainstream won’t touch ‘This Old Heartache’ but it’s tough to think of a better pure
country song put to record this year. On an album almost entirely the vocal
domain of Lucinda, Jakob Dylan, fast becoming a go to guest vocalist, makes an
appearance on ‘It’s Gonna Rain’.
Several enlightening online interviews with Lucinda have
proved invaluable sources in adding a background flavour to the record and
reading them while listening to the songs evolves into a dual pleasure. ‘Wrong Number’ proves to be a very
personal sad number and the spiritual pairing of ‘Everything but the Truth’ and ‘Something
This Wicked Comes’ reveal a fascination with both sides of the religious
divide. If you’re searching for a track to melt you away, ‘Temporary Nature (Of Any Precious Thing’) will seductively oblige,
while ‘Walk On’ and ‘Protection’
possess an upbeat appeal to induce a more active feeling.
www.lucindawilliams.com
Interview with Rolling Stone
Interview with Wall Street Journal