Pieta Brown – In The Cool (One Little Indian Records.2005)
In The Cool is the result of the collaboration between Pieta Brown and Bo Ramsey, guitarist of Lucinda Williams to name just one. This album is a gem of alt-country that could be easily forgotten but really shouldn’t. First, because of the unique production. All the tracks have been recorded in live conditions in Memphis and therefore sound totally authentic. Second, because of the soft beauty that lies in every word that pours out of her mouth.
With the first chords of #807, she wins. All you can do is slip inside an atmosphere you’ll never want to leave. 4th Of July will finish to convince you (and it’s only the second track) that In The Cool is a really cool album. Good enough for the radio without being radio ‘friendly’ all the songs on this record enjoy catchy melodies, intelligent lyrics and significant southern influences. Hank Williams is there, Pete Seeger too. Bob Dylan’s everywhere in the apparent careless diction and Lucinda Williams in the stylish and personal songwriting.
In ‘In The Cool’ smooth ballads tinted with family memories ”This Old Dress“, “Lonesome Songs” meet heartache “How Many Times” and pure American memories turned into pure Americana stories. The voice is soft, clear and Pieta knows how to turn her limits into style.
If you missed Pieta Brown’s most genuine and beautiful album, make up for it today and wrap yourself in the sound of In The Cool.
