'1000 KISSES'
(10-track LP/ 2002/ 'SANCTUARY RECORDS')
Having seen American folk songstress Patty before (supporting Billy Bragg� I think!), I knew what to expect. Some epic story-based, awe-inspiring shows of pert heart and soul, with melodies so sublime her material proudly sits on the whitewashed fence between 'folk' and 'pop.'
As soon as I first heard her incredibly beautiful voice I was reminded of Stevie Nicks and her 'Street Angel' album, as Patty's songs are sincere and concise, presented with exquisite and affecting poignancy.
Album-opener 'Rain' and the Emmylou Harris harmony-backed 'Long Ride Home' (which is my fave) are folk masterpieces, 'Making Pies' is utterly sublime and her cover of Springsteen's 'Stolen Car' is executed so sullenly and soulfully it's instantaneously obvious it was indeed a Brucey original.
The only gripe is this album's length, as there are only really 8 songs to show for the 10 tracks: 'Mil Besos' is moreover an instrumental and flamenco-infused, while 'Reprise' is indeed a brief patter of subtle musical notes that seem a relative anticlimax given the superb standard of songs that came before.
In spurts Patty reminds of Suzanna Vega and Kate Rusby, while maintaining her own unique voice and style throughout. Style, that is, that is graced with such lush and gutsy substance I'd walk 5000 miles for her 1000 kisses. (STEVE RUDD)
www.pattygriffin.com