Christy McWilson
Bed of Roses

(HighTone)

First Appeared at The Music Box, June 2002, Volume 9, #6

Written by John Metzger

Imagine a supergroup composed of The Mamas and The Papas, The Byrds, and Buddy Holly, and you’d have a pretty good idea as to what Christy McWilson’s Bed of Roses sounds like. Her angelic voice soars over the rockabilly pop laid down by her backing band, which includes labelmate Dave Alvin, R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, the legendary pedal steel player Greg Leisz, and the Young Fresh Fellows’ Scott McCaughey. Together, the ensemble churns out a shimmering set of upbeat, country-tinged pop that drifts with an almost effortless grace up towards the heavens.

Sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum are the lyrics, which largely ponder McWilson’s own battles with depression and loss. Even her choice in covers — Moby Grape’s 8:05 (performed as a gorgeous duet with Alvin) and Jesse Colin Young’s Darkness, Darkness — finds her sinking deep into her sorrow-filled river of tears. That’s the problem. Save for the hope that shines through Life’s Little Enormities and True Believer, the music that surrounds her words, while quite enjoyable, is just a little too tender, just a little too breezy to suitably support such gut-wrenching songs.

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Ratings

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2002 The Music Box