KRISTIN HERSH
The Grotto (4AD)
THROWING MUSES
self-titled (4AD)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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A Kristin Hersh record orgy: two records of new material to choose from, which doesn't really require a coin flip. The stark solo disc is where the money's at. Hersh propels her inner demonic folk rock to new levels with a seething slab of beautiful turmoil. Hersh utilizes her raspy whisper vocal to good effect, playing off her crack instrumental ringers. Howe Gelb and Andrew Bird provide glorious piano and string accompaniment, the missing links in Hersh's musical odyssey. On the other hand, the Throwing Muses' day may have passed. Though the group record is fair indeed (starting off with some great riffin' rock), it doesn't add much to the catalogue. A release for obsessive completists, folks stumbling across the Muses experience for the first time, or for those who prefer to hear Hersh rock out. This twin pack is not as consistent as the recent Tom Waits double whammy, but then what could possibly measure up to that?

© 2003 - John Sekerka