Customer Reviews

Mezzanine

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Some years back, the Southern literary magazine The Oxford American questioned whether anything of the Southern gothic still remained. Had Southern heritage and culture survived or had it all been paved over to make room for chain stores? Well, for those who hold that The North won the war, but Wal-Mart won The South, you might have a reason to stop fretting for a few moments. The Mezzanine, by Athens Georgia resident, Liz Durrett, is a beautiful album that mixes evocative images, dreamy ballads, and spooky lullaby-like songs into a haunting pastiche of dusty portraits, kudzu vines, creaky floorboards, and children's toys. At times, The Mezzanine bears a resemblance to the songs of Cat Power's Moonpix. The title song is certainly a stand out, but there are many good songs on this album. Durrett doesn't wear her Southerness like banner, but if you look with the right eyes, you'll find it. For some, it may be a grateful reminder that contemporary Southern music isn't yet entirely reducibly to the corporate designed Dixie-fried hat acts from Nashville.

I'm consistently blown away by Durrett's musicianship and her adept delivery. I adore all her works, but this one ranks as my favorite. Listen after listen, 'The Mezzanine' never grows boring and it never fails to dig into my middle and move me. I'm amazed at how few people are familiar with this nimble and amazing singer-songwriter. Catch one of her live sets if you can, but if you cannot, download and take in every last piece of her music you can wrap your grubby ear canals around.

At this writing, Amazon is not providing sound clips for this album. If interested, I suggest you find Liz Durrett on YouTube. I was especially taken with her version of "Crazy" (not on the album) and "Little Ascendent" and "Marlene," which are. Very pleased that I stumbled upon this artist. Came upon her work through my interest in Phosphorescent, another amazing musician and writer.

Words are not my first medium, so I will refrain from trying to translate one art form into the other. I can say this, however:

Wow. Completely beautiful.

Well, personally, I only trust my ears when it comes to music - so I cannot actually recommend that you buy any album without hearing the music first. On the other hand, I couldn't believe there were no glowing reviews for this wonderful record. So give 'er a listen, and then you will be forced to buy it!

Liz's live shows are also well worth your time.