Customer Reviews

Hearts in Mind

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Throughout the nearly three decades of her career as a singer/songwriter, folk musician Nanci Griffith has been no stranger to love. With a true gift for capturing the profound ideas and experiences of human existence through the power of words, her songs vividly depict emotions of joy, grief, melancholy, and passion which are universal to all who listen. It is this creative capacity that has made Griffith's music a powerful force in the contemporary folk world, earning her a Grammy for her 1993 album Other Voices, Other Rooms, countless accolades for her eclectic style of music, and renown and respect throughout the world.

Having said this, it should come as no surprise that Hearts in Mind, Griffith's fifteenth studio album, is no exception to the rule. The follow up to 2001's Clock Without Hands and a recent live project, Winter Marquee, this latest collection of original songs is already being hailed by critics as not only her best studio recording in over a decade, but as one that combines the simple folk style of the early years of her career with the more modern style of her recent music. Despite this merging of the best of both worlds, however, another characteristic makes it one of the most unique recordings of Griffith's career: Hearts in Mind is a concept album dealing with the conflicting forces of love and war, with the unbreakable connection forged between two human beings overcoming even the most insurmountable obstacles.

Indeed, Hearts in Mind is in many ways a journey toward satisfaction in love and life. The album kicks off with "Simple Life," a track fused with steel guitars, mandolins, and a traditional country sound that captures its message of seeking minimalism and meaning. While the track sets up the album's salute to love by declaring that "I want a simple life/Like my mother/And one true love for my older years," Hearts in Mind celebrates multiple other kinds of human love as well; discussing the love of the faith and guidance of religion in "Angels" and the love that exists between a parent and child in "Beautiful," a jazz-themed tribute to Griffith's stepfather that defies the folk rock feel of most of her music. On "Rise to the Occasion," a track that reunites Griffith with guest vocalist Mac MacAnally, with whom she collaborated on one of her most beloved love story songs, "Gulf Coast Highway," the album even examines the contradictory nature of falling in love, leaving the listener with the thought that "We can touch the sky above/At the Angel's invitation/And we don't even have to fall in love/Just rise to the occasion." The emotive "Love Conquers All" takes on a similar theme, looking at the stories of three couples who are willing to beat the odds against them for a successful relationship despite their very different cultural backgrounds and limitations, making for one of the album's lighter, yet most powerful moments.

Despite the uplifting and inspirational nature of these songs, however, Griffith counterbalances them with tracks that showcase the stumbling blocks of relationships as well, particularly on the heartbreakingly beautiful "Mountain of Sorrow," in which she examines the difficulties of struggling to recover from the end of a relationship, as well as "Before," a beautiful acoustic number in which the speaker is haunted by memories of a past relationship, dreaming "of who we used to be/And the hope we had before." In "Back When Ted Loved Sylvia," written by Griffith's harmony vocalist, Le Ann Etheridge, the album takes on a historical approach to the idea of failed love by examining the tumultuous relationship between modern poets Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, beginning with their creative "life of academia" and leading up to the dissolution of their marriage and Plath's suicide in the early `60s.

As a concept album, however, Hearts in Mind is as much about war and the desolation and destruction it brings to life as it is about how life is enriched by love. Having seen ex-husband and fellow folk musician Eric Taylor suffer from the posttraumatic stress of his experiences fighting in Vietnam, the lasting effects of the conflict have long been an issue of personal significance for Griffith, motivating her to serve as a volunteer for Vietnam Veterans of America and Campaign for a Landmine Free World and travel to Cambodia and other nations to work with those still impacted by a war that took place four decades ago.

"As an artist, I feel I have an obligation to give back," Griffith said in a recent interview with Rita Houston of New York City's WFUV. "I have never been a fan of jumping on the bandwagon and doing something just because everyone else is doing it, but it is important to me to use my creative and artistic abilities for causes I believe in."

The result of her "giving back" through music is some of the most haunting songs of Griffith's career. From "Heart of Indochine," her personal reflections on the Vietnam conflict and hope for peace "in this twenty-first century," to her exploration of the changes the country has endured since the war in "Old Hanoi," to the stirring "Big Blue Ball of War" which describes the ubiquity of human conflict in the world, these tracks offer a unique vision of a country torn apart by battle and one woman's desire for the achievement of peace.

In "I Love This Town," a duet with rock/pop musician Jimmy Buffett which may be viewed by some country fans as the folk world's equivalent to "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," his chart topping collaboration with Alan Jackson, Griffith sings about her admiration for a place that is welcoming and full of enthusiasm despite its imperfections. While her latest release has precious few imperfections of its own, listeners of all musical genres are likely to have this same reaction upon listening. As a longtime fan of Nanci Griffith, "I love this album," and am confident that others will as well. Released on Feb. 1, Hearts in Mind makes for a perfect start to the month, as well as a perfect Valentine's gift for any loved one who enjoys excellent music.

I think the album is fantastic. I think Simple Life, Beautiful, Before, Heart of Indochine, Old Hanoi, Big Blue Ball of War, Rise to the Occasion, and Our Very Own rank right up there with the best stuff she's ever done. I'm not so fond of Mountain of Sorrow and am indifferent to Angels, but then she didn't write them. And the rest is pretty darn good. I like the fact that each song has it's own sound and, as usual, the lyrics are like good literature. In "Heart of Indochine," I can see her sitting in the cafe with her "friend Bobby Mullen." It brings tears to my eyes when she wonders if "he walks in his dreams."

As to repeating old themes, I don't think that we can be reminded too often that war brings nothing but misery, and often isn't necessary and solves nothing. And surely, we cannot hear too often how restorative and uplifting love can be.

As far as all of Nanci's best work being behind her, I couldn't disagree more. I absolutely did not like "Other Voices Too" and could even say I HATED most of "Blue Roses from the Moon." However, I think "Winter Marquee" and "Clock Without Hands" are phenomenal albums. I play both all of the time. To me, along with "Flyer" and "Other Voices Other Rooms," they are desert island discs.

After several years of tinkering with the style of music that put her on the map (with usually decent, but mixed results) Nanci Griffith returns with her best album of mostly original material in more than 15 years. Yes, this album is her best of original material since "Little Lover Affairs" back in 1988.

Kicking off with the song "Simple Life," co-written and sung with up and comer Elizabeth Cook," the album finds Nancy touching on many of the same themes that she has explored over the years. Her interest in Vietnam continues with "The Heart of Indochine" and "Old Hanoi". Long term Nanci fans will delight in the literally reference that later song makes to the great writer Graham Greene as well as to the Sylvia Plath inspired "Back When Ted Loved Sylvia."

Wonderful produced by Griffith and pat McInerney HEARTS IN MIND has a host of guest artists including Jennifer Kimball, Jimmy Buffett, Clive Gregson, Mac McAnally and the aforementioned Elizabeth Cook. That a gorgeous jazz flavored track like the appropriately titled "Beautiful" can find a home on this album without seeming out of place rings as a real testament to the fact that Nanci's muse is well on target.

Nanci Griffith keeps evolving in her music. You never know what to expect and that is what makes her interesting. There is some marvelous music and poetry in Hearts and Minds. The songs Indochine and Old Hanoi are moving and lovely. Then she rocks in songs like I Love This Town. The songs are about love and war and no one tells a story better than this Texas singer- songwriter.

I have all of Nanci Griffith's CD's and this one was just a little too slow for me. The tracks were mostly very mellow and retrospective, and I miss Nanci's energy.

If you are old enough to remember the Vietnam War, in which I served, this CD will haunt you. Her songs and her voice make this my favorite CD by Nanci, and I have all of them. Terrific CD at a great price.

It's a bit country, a bit folk and a bit of pop but the best thing going for it is the quality of the voice and the singing of the songs. The songs themselves are nothing to brag about. There is nothing wrong with them but they are to my mind "bulk items". By that I mean the songs used to flesh out the single hit on an album. In this case, though, that is all there is.

That being said, she is a good singer and has some fine singing guests. Her musicians are good too. Its just the songs that are wanting.

I hate those overzealous, underthinking critics who scream "masterpiece" at the loud drop of the latest phenom's cd or movie or novel. They should back up, slow down, contextualize and think before they speak and toss superlatives. Having said that, I'll take nominations for other--less overused--words to describe HEARTS IN MIND. It has "masterpiece" written all over it and throughout. It's been worth the wait. Nanci seems to have backed up, slowed down, contextualized, thought and most certainly felt. She "rises to the occasion."

When I hear a new album, I usually mention the songs I like best and the ones I find slightly less successful. That approach would be pointless here. There is so much good stuff here on all kinds of levels that I'll leave it to those of the NANCINET listserv more acute, more analytical and with better memories than mine to fill in some of the wonderful details and connections. Perhaps the only problem I wonder about concerns those for whom HEARTS IN MIND is their first Nanci album to hear. They'll probably love it but will miss so many references and reflections which connect very emotionally with other Nanci compositions and performances.

A few fairly random thoughts:

Nanci's and Elizabeth's Cook's "A Simple Life." Literal and yet ironic as a first song. Nanci does seem to be simpler here, detailing and playing counterpoint with many of her old themes and a few new ones. Her voice--as beautiful as I've heard in ages--seems simpler and straighter here. But, the irony of the illusion is that the simple themes and settings harbor very complex issues and feelings. Nanci the novel writer is here. Nanci the historian. Nanci the faithful observer. Nanci with the huge heart. They are all here. Nanci with the "Big Blue Ball of War" view and Nanci with the appreciation of the small and the "Beautiful."

No better time than now for "Heart of Indochine" and "Old Hanoi" and "Big Blue Ball of War"--at least no better time than before the upcoming election day. The first two songs bring one of my favorite movies to mind--THREE SEASONS with Harvey Keitel. I will never be able to watch that movie again, feel its beauty and sadness without thinking of these two Nanci songs. "Big Blue Ball of War" brings us right around to Julie Gold's "From a Distance." More counterpoint. A theme and wonderful variations as with many of the songs here. Speaking of Julie Gold, her "Mountain of Sorrow" may suffer on the surface when compared with the 9/11 songs on Lucy Kaplansky's great last album. But with Nanci's delivery here, we're in the midst of wonder and tears.

Nanci looks back and connects with her older songs and the people of her heart. "Beautiful" and her stepdad and mother. "Before" does it explicitly. Listen and count how many Nanci songs she brings together here. There are at least three songs on "HEARTS IN MIND" which sound like classic Nanci songs of the past but which are very new. How many performers or composers have been inspired just once by parts of Wim Wenders' great WINGS OF DESIRE? Well, now there are two in the Nanci canon--amazing.

Covers. A real gift with superlative cover performances as well as Nanci originals. I don't know how to begin to describe Lee Ann Etheridge's "Back When Ted Loved Sylvia." It certainly carries more heft, clarity and emotion than the recent Plath film with Ms. Paltrow. I guess only Nanci could make me enjoy Jimmy Buffett who guest vocals on Clive Gregson's "I Love This Town." More fun than many barrels of monkeys. Ron Davies' exquisite "Rise to the Occasion" is so touching and subtle I'm reminded that I can't help but love Nanci's way of singing love songs--like no one else--and Mac MacAnally sings it with her! More connections to the earlier Nanci--the duet of all duets, Nanci and Mac on "Gulf Coast Highway." As simple and as beautiful a love song as Nanci and Charlie Stefl's "Love Conquers All" manages to avoid all the obvious dangers of cliche and ... soars.

Her Blue Moon Orchestra. One of you much more eloquent that I could write a Sherlockian monograph on the wonder of their playing here. I'll just mention a few things. Hooker's piano/keyboards throughout reminded me of the famous image when Jane Eyre and Rochester part and he talks about the invisible string tieing them together heart to heart. John Catchings' cellos and strings. Doug Lancio's guitars. Clive Gregson's mandolin and accordion. And Nanci's harmony duet singers: Cathryn Craig and Jennifer Kimball. Oy!

Don't miss reading the song notes when you get your copy. Charlie Stefl's on "Love Conquers All," Pat McInerney's on "Rise to the Occasion," and Nanci's on "Big Blue Ball of War" are alone worth the price of this album.

Somewhere in the late 90's, Nanci Griffith began getting on my nerves. Like, seriously getting on my nerves. Like, fingernails on chalkboards. After nearly twenty years of being a fan, I was able to hear what prompted my college roommate's girlfriend Meg to shudder in 1988: "That is the most irritating voice I have ever heard." But Meg was a chain-smoking illiterate whose only talent was being able to belch the alphabet, so what did she know? By the second installment of Griffith's Other Voices masterpiece, on that Trip Back To Bountiful, her quirky inflections and oddball Texan drawl began bordering on the absurd. And I started hearing what Meg had heard lo those many years ago. I snored through Dust Bowl Symphony. Blue Roses From The Moon so disinterested me that I never even bought it; it remains the only Nanci Griffith title not to grace my shelves. I only bought the subsequent Clock Without Hands for Linda Ronstadt's guest appearance (and noted that label-mate Ronstadt's name was misspelled twice in the album notes). Kate Campbell would become my neo-folkie-with-literary-pretensions of choice.

It took a long time for me to get around to buying Hearts In Mind, and while it doesn't offer up the same magic as her best MCA albums or the underappreciated Flyer, her ruminations on war are entirely consistent with the plain-spoken pacifist who, remember, was the first to record From A Distance and whose idealism gave us It's A Hard Life Wherever You Go. In picaresque tunes such as Old Hanoi and Heart of Indochine, Griffith continues to make peace with the Vietnam era, but it's clear she's also talking about Iraq. "I don't want your wars to take my children/I want a simple life while I'm here," she sings in the track that opens the album. But a simple life is not so easy to come by in the post-9/11 world, as Julie Gold's Mountain of Sorrow attests. Sure, there are signs of levity along the way, such as some ad lib scat singing at the tail end of Beautiful, where Nanci unleashes her inner Bessie Smith (either that or perhaps SHE, like Meg, had learned to belch the alphabet). And let's not forget the spirited Jimmy Buffett duet, I Love This Town. But by the time we get to track 13, Big Blue Ball of War, one wonders if a simple life is even viable anymore.

Regrettably, however, for all it has going for it, Hearts In Mind is not a Nanci Griffith album I'll return to with much frequency. Not like One Fair Summer Evening (superb) or Winter Marquee (ditto), not like Other Voices... (desert island disc), not like Storms. The songs she wrote are unquestionably informed by her years working with the Campaign for a Landmine Free World as well as other veterans' groups and progressive organizations, and while she succeeds at tackling political writing without coming off as preachy, there is clunkiness (references to Graham Greene?) that remains difficult for my ears to get around.

That is how I've always described Nanci Griffith's work. She is an amazing artist who never ceases to make me happy with new album after new album. This one is no exception.

I won't go into the individual songs, as the entire album start to finish is simply amazing.

To me her music harkens back to a simpler time and place. As a first album of hers to get, this isn't a bad choice.