Mother, Queen of My Heart

(Sugar Hill)

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

Written by John Metzger

Just in time for Mother’s Day comes Mother, Queen of My Heart, a terrific collection of songs that are all about Mom. None of the tracks are new, though only the most avid Americana fans are likely to find these songs already in their collections. The title comes from the Jimmie Rodgers tune that kicks off the disc, covered admirably by Lonesome Standard Time. Other highlights include Tim and Mollie O’Brien’s stately rendition of John Prine’s Unwed Fathers, James McMurtry’s perfect country-rock ballad Peter Pan, and Doc Watson’s fiery Mama Don’t Allow No Music. In fact, the lone dud on the disc is Kathy Kallick’s annoying Use a Napkin (Not Your Mom), a song so grating that it’s best simply to program around it. That said, Mother, Queen of My Heart is an endearing set that pays tribute to Mom, while having some fun in the process. And, if we must celebrate a Hallmark holiday, we might as well do so with songs the whole family can enjoy. ½

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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