Freakwater

Thinking Of You – (Thrill Jockey)

From the first look at the cover of Freakwater’s first CD in six years – a picture of roses on fire – you get the feeling that Freakwater’s recent hiatus hasn’t dulled their raw sensibilities at all.  And from the first listen, you’ll hear that Freakwater still occupies a most necessary place in today’s country landscape.

Freakwater has received more than their share of critical acclaim over the years, but it often never seemed like quite enough when you consider that they set a template for the Appalachian-inspired “high and lonesome” sound they favour.  Catherine Irwin and Janet Bean sound even better together than ever before (yeah, that’s right, I said “even better”) as if their time away from Freakwater fuelled the urgency of the performances here.  Add the backing talents of Califone here and you end up with one of the year’s finest releases.

Thinking Of You starts off with the “classic” Freakwater sound in “Right Brothers” – perfect harmonies (Bean consistently finds her “spot” like few others), and a lovely pedal steel from Jon Spiegel.  It’s these strengths, along with the perfectly crafted songs, that carry much of Thinking Of You – as on “Jack The Knife”, “Sap” (where the trio is accompanied by some gentle piano courtesy of Jacob Smith), and the pretty-and-sad “Cathy Ann”.

The accompaniment throughout, provided by Tim Rutili and his Califone cohorts, add much to the proceedings here. “So Strange” is a great addition to Freakwater’s more raucous side and should fill a dance floor, while “Hi Ho Silver” is a great all-out rocker.  Freakwater’s music gets the perfect treatment here, song by song.

Really, there’s nothing quite like Freakwater and, therefore, nothing quite like Thinking Of You.  Freakwater’s best yet? 

Yep.