Disco de Nanci Griffith: “The Loving Kind”

Every reviewer so far has criticised this disc as having too many political songs. Why ? When you consider how politics, especially US Internal & Foreign policy has effected the whole world and all our lives,(not to mention the Global Economic Crisis) I think it entirely appropriate for some commentary. Anyway, it is not as if the lyrics are so blatant that you feel bludgeoned over the head by them. I am sure, that without the liner notes, most listeners would be entirely unaware of the political commentary attributed to a lot of these songs.

As Peter Cooper, in the liner notes states, ""Still Life" is about George W. Bush (and, I'm afraid, more about the rest of us than we'll care to admit)". This comment seems to be right on the mark, given other reviewer's comments about too much politics. Everyone seems to want to pretend nothing has happened and bury their collective heads in the sand. The song never mentions Mr Bush, so if you were not in possession of the booklet, you would be none the wiser. Therefore the criticism seems silly, as the lyric could just as easily relate to anyone.

Thankfully Griffith's vocals are ageing like fine wine and I applaud her for standing for 'causes'. "The Loving Kind" is a tragic reminder of the controversy of a mixed marriage in 1958. What kind of people were we then and are we any better now ? Causes and issues are important, and if they can be conveyed via song, all the better.

Once again, Griffith's liner notes are more eloquent than I could ever be:

"Finally....to the memory of Mildred & Richard Loving. They changed the heart of my nation with their love. May they stand for change in laws of love (there should never be laws of love) for the future. Long live the Loving Kind. Government.....Out of who we Love and Out of our bedrooms!"

Thank you for getting back on the writing track Nanci. The world needs a spokesperson for LOVE.

Prime Cuts: Sing, Up Against the Rain, Things I Don't Need

Sometimes the most surging and persuasive rhetoricians are those who hardly have to raise their voices. With her girlish soprano (though a little deeper and tainted with signs of aging) suggesting naivety and innocence, Griffith is still one of the sharpest critics. Unlike Toby Keith who fledges his jingoism in loud blatancy, Griffith expresses her views on politics, race issues, love, and the economic morass through subtle yet poignant story songs. At the end of the day, regardless of what one thinks of her criticisms, Griffith gets her points across in ways more memorably than Keith. This is the genius of Griffith's craftsmanship. For the first time since 2005's "Hearts in Mind," Griffith offers 8 new compositions with a reprise of an older album track "One of These Days" (from her CD "Last of the True Believers.") This is also the first time in a long while where the backings are simpler and more country sounding--never for a moment drowning Griffith's delicate vocals. Such dexterity is to the credit of producers Thomm Jutz and Pat McInerney.

Just like Griffith's previous CDs, message songs abound. The gentle thumbing of the drums and some delightful fiddles usher in Griffith at her folk-country best with the title track "The Loving Kind." Here Griffith re-tells the historic story of Richard and Milfred Loving who were initially barred from marriage in the state of Virginia because they were of different skin color. "Loving Kind" is not the only song where Griffith utilizes the newspaper headlines. On "Not Innocent Enough" Griffith protests against capital punishment via the death row case of Philip Workman who was convicted of killing a Memphis police back in 1981. And to show that Griffith is not alone in her protest, she's backed by John Prine, Todd Snider and Elizabeth Cook in a chorus like demonstration. Don't let the innocuous title "Still Life" fool you: despite being a languid ballad, it actually is reeked with political satire with Griffith lambasting George W. Bush. While the nostalgic "Cotton's All We Got" brings us back to the days of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

However, the inspiration of this new disc is not just found in the history textbooks and newspapers. Griffith does address issues dealing with relationships. Best of which is "Sing," an autobiographical entry where Griffith re-calls the lonely times in her children where she would listen to the radio and later discover her love for music. There's a thick ethereal feel of loneliness surrounding this rack that makes the listening experience particularly bittersweet. Also, Griffith does a great tribute to Townes Van Zandt with the hopeful "Up Against the Rain," a track that will connect with anyone who has had just suffered loss. The opening line of "One of These Days" is enough to spark romantic imaginations aflame when Griffith sings: "We walk along the Hudson when it snows in Manhattan." This is poetry at its best with a gorgeous melody to marry. While the pop-tinted James Taylor-esque "Things I Don't Need" deals with our prevalent sin of materialism.

On the whole, Griffith would have benefited more if there are less politically driven songs. Not that they are overwhelmingly bludgeon, rather Griffith's sensitive vocals are better suited for heartbreaking melancholic ballads. In fact, the sadder they are; the better they sound. Nevertheless, this CD like all of her music is a work of art; one that Griffith has put together with thought, heart, skill of the loving kind.

Let me start by saying that I've been a Nanci fan for twenty years and own a copy of everything she ever recorded and various bootlegs. I am a devout fan of this woman's many talents. Like the other reviewer, I admit that I haven't been enamored of her recent releases since the mid-nineties. Unlike, the other reviewer, this effort does not change my mind.

For full disclosure I will state that I hold fairly conservative political views which is not a crime, but it apparently is if you happen to enjoy folk music. I've rejected such folkies such as Phil Ochs because they weren't overly talented at singing or playing and were better known for their protest songs. Nanci is very talented at her singing and playing and writes some achingly beautiful melodies -- she does not have to lean on political messages to win fans in lieu of musical ability. Throughout her career she has peppered in very little political statements in her ouvre and those few instances tended to be the weaker songs.

I felt the same way listening to this record that I did listening to the latest Jackson Browne effort; please include fewer talking points and more memoral melodies. I realize that most folk artists do not hold my political views and they completely have a right to their own; but I am still a fan of their music and don't really want to be preached to. I told a friend this once who chided that I couldn't really be a fan of folks artists if I did not agree with their politics. Why? I enjoy listening to Strauss and I've never been a Nazi; I enjoy listening to Josquin and I'm not catholic.

We have way too much political division in this country. Why continue to stoke that fire when everything is supposedly fine with the optimism of the new administration?

That being said, there are a few fine songs here (hence three stars) and the other reviewer has done an admirable job of breaking down each selection. James Hooker's absence is looming -- the arrangements of the Blue Moon Orchestra do not have the same polish as her earlier efforts do.

I have seen her in person many times, and while I appreciate her, I never actually bought a recording until now. I LOVE this one! Great lyrics, a more worn, comfortable, lived in voice. Reflective and relaxed. Songs about relationships with people, stuff, alcohol, the lack of justice in our systems, etc. All appropriate for a middle aged singer song writer, don't you think? Listen to Emmy Lou or Prine or Lucinda, they are not singing about hearts breaking and lost love so much anymore, maybe because they now know their hearts now will never mend. Life has has its way. There are other, more important demons to face, and strength in reflection is a theme here. Voices change, and priorities change...artists must grow. Great to see she is still growing and she sounds fabulous.

Just makes me feel GOOD to know she is out there. Love, Butter beans, bullets, and LBJ! It all goes in the great stew!

Really enjoy this one. I have several of her CD's and this is one of my favs.