CD Review: KAREN
JONAS – THE SOUTHWEST SKY AND OTHER DREAMS – by Chris Smith for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
| 1 | The Last Cowboy (at the Bowling Alley) | 4:08 |
| 2 | Out in Palm Tree Paradise | 3:20 |
| 3 | Tuesday | 3:56 |
| 4 | Pink Leather Boots | 3:36 |
| 5 | Maybe You’d Hear Me Then | 4:02 |
| 6 | Be Sweet to Me | 2:48 |
| 7 | Farmer John | 4:10 |
| 8 | Barely Breathing | 3:50 |
| 9 | Better Days | 3:40 |
| 10 | Don’t Blink Honey | 3:05 |
Karen
Jonas is an astounding lyricist. She has incredible observational skills which
allow her to spot song opportunities in the smallest of everyday happenings and
is then able to embellish them with little insights which make those songs so
unique.
I
have previously suggested the media should view Karen’s writing with the shock,
awe and total admiration which accompanied Paul Simon’s “Graceland” at the
time.
The
opener “The Last Cowboy (at the Bowling Alley)” was inspired by a real person
who in his mind is re-living past days of glory but the reality is in the line
where a girl who works at the Alley “kissed him once in the parking lot but
pretends not to remember”. “Pink Leather Boots” and “Tuesday” are also terrific
tracks.
These
songs are not just about clever lyrics, the musical arrangements and Karen’s
vocal dexterity have the potential to provide songs with unexpected pleasant
surprises at any time. Check out too the amazing guitar playing of Tim Bray.
Some
of the songs will take a few listens before you fully appreciate the craft of
them but if you admire quality song writing this one should be for you.