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 More Than Just The "Duchess Of Earle" Dec 24, 2008
Every bit as big a firebrand as her husband, the uber-maverick Steve Earle, Allison Moorer has shown herself capable of immersing herself in very roots-oriented music throughout her careeer, usually that combination of rock, R&B, folk, and country called "Americana." Her last two albums, 2004's THE DUEL and 2006's GETTING SOMEWHERE, were tremendous examples of her approach. Her newest one, MOCKINGBIRD, continues that tradition of hers.
Ironically enough, given her considerable songwriting pedigree, which would leave Nashville beet-red with her intelligent approach, only one song on this twelve-song CD, namely the title track, is written by Allison herself. Assisted here by producer and Americana master Buddy Miller, Allison largely weaves her way through favorite cover songs, including a slowed-down version of Johnny Cash's 1963 smash "Ring Of Fire", and the Joni Mitchell classic "Both Sides Now" (immortalized by Judy Collins in 1968), alongside more contemporary material like Gillian Welch's "Revelator" and Julie Miller's "Orphan Train." There's enough country instrumentation on here to give MOCKINGBIRD the required rootsiness that is part-and-parcel of Allison's approach, but there's also the Memphis/Muscle Shoals R&B influences that have informed her music too.
Having one heck of a deep voice that can handle country and R&B about as well as any contemporary female artist this side of Sheryl Crow, Allison has been a genuine force to be reckoned with for a long time now; and MOCKINGBIRD continues down that path brilliantly.
Good Stuff Dec 13, 2008
There's a great variety of songs here. She doesn't lose her country roots but she has definitely branched out. As usual, her voice is top quality. Several reviewers have dogged Ring of Fire. I totally disagree, this is a fine, original take on the song. People tend to get hung up on the original, just listen to it for what is. Great slow violins and guitars in the background, her voice patiently and beautifully carrying the tune.
Embellishing the cd are the great musicians on hand including husband Steve Earle.
Another Great one from Allison Dec 04, 2008
I love Allison! I can listen to her anywhere, anytime and I always just love her music and her voice. She's never made a bad album and this is no exception, it's fantastic. I might start thinking this is my favorite, but when I think of all the great songs on the albums, I realize it's just one more great album full of great songs. I love you Allison!
Good covers album Oct 23, 2008
While some of these songs don't really fit Allison's voice, her voice is strong enough to prevent any of these from being a true dud. Strongest cover is of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now." I'd even put that cover up with the original.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 And your bird can sing Oct 06, 2008
I recently caught Alison Moorer in concert as she opened for her firebrand husband, Steve Earle, on his Washington Square Serenade tour. Other than the fact that she is Mrs. Earle and Shelby Lynne's sister, I didn't know much about her. But I was impressed enough by her performance to pick this disc up after the show.
"Mockingbird" is a covers album that rises and falls like most, on the strength of the interpretations. Moorer has a beautiful, clear voice that works when she digs to the core of the song's emotion, like her spatial vibe on "Ring of Fire." Like her husband, she is also unafraid of putting a rocker's pulse to songs that would naturally accommodate it, as she does here to Patti Smith's "Dancing Barefoot." On her own composition (the title track) Moorer connects the way the cool female singers of the 70's like Carly Simon or Joni Mitchell (who pops up with "Both Sides Now.") used to.
However, there are a few misses. The scratchy psuedo-old-timey production of "Daddy Goodbye Blues" is irritating. Some of the songs just lack spunk. All is forgiven with the closer (and concert highlight) "Looking for Blue Eyes," a lament that shows Moorer's country gifts to perfection. "Mockingbird" falls into the same league as, for instance, kd lang's Hymns of the 49th Parallel, where a really gifted singer works a promising turf but can't always hit the mark.
For an example of this type of album done just right, check out Slaid Cleaves' Unsung.
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