KATHLEEN EDWARDS
Failer (Zoe Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Kathleen Edwards' CD Failer is one of my favorite CDs of all time. Period.

If only reviewing a new CD by a new artist was that easy. Edwards' singing and songwriting remind me of her fellow Canadians Neil Young or Bruce Cockburn, or south of the border, I'd compare her with James McMurtry or Greg Brown for the way she tells a story. She's got their styles down musically, and she sure can tell a story of loves found and lost in her own unique way. Kathleen has helped me experience the art and craft of the singer-songwriter anew, and I can't give her higher praise than that.

"Six O'Clock News," "Hockey Skates," and "Westby" all resonate with me long after the CDs shut down, for Kathleen's command of the guitar and the word are rare gifts.

Look for Failer to be on my top five list of this year's best. This month, she's on tour in California, North Carolina, New York, and Mississippi, and if she's playing near you, go see her. She'll be touring with Nickel Creek, and it'll be a great show.

Track List:

Six O'clock News * One More Song the Radio Won't Like * Hockey Skates * The Lone Wolf * I2 Bellevue * Mercury * Westby, Maria * National Steel * Sweet Little Duck

© 2003 - Eric Steiner