Lucy Kaplansky
Ten Year Night
Red House Records

I liked the first cut on this album. Lucy Kaplansky has a voice somewhere between "chick/folk" and "chick/alternative" - a more full sound than just girl and guitar, for those of you who like such things. Unfortunately, the CD picked up a little too much of a country feel for my taste. I kept hoping there would only be a few isolated incidents of such, but the overall feel of the CD struck me as country. She almost had a Nanci Griffith sound on "Five In The Morning," and though I love Nanci, I can't say the same about Lucy. There was a little too much country percussion on this song, too.

One thing I do like about Kaplansky is her ability to create strong characters. I'll admit she brings more life and reality to her songs than anyone I've heard in a long time. I just wish it were done in a more folk, less country way.

On "Promise Me," her voice takes on a softer, melancholy sound. I like this song better than most of her offerings. John Gorka sings back-up, too. Bonus.

My favorite song on this CD is "For Once In Your Life." It's just her, acoustic guitar, and once again her ability to create intriguing characters.

I was hoping this collection would evoke far more from me than it actually did. To be fair, I am going to give it another listen or two before damning her to the bottom of my CD's. Give her a try, but don't say I didn't warn you.

-Kate Rice

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