Traveling Alone (Yep Roc, 2012)
Tift Merritt
Reviewed by Brian Baker
Merritt's manifesto on her latest, "Traveling Alone," seems to be encapsulated in the melancholy twang of Sweet Spot, where she croons in the chorus, "I'm just looking for that sweet spot/Where I can live the way that I want." This time out, Merritt assembled a phenomenal band - including Calexico's John Convertino and revered session guitarist Marc Ribot - as well as producer Tucker Martine to create a work grounded in an earthy Americana vibe while layering it with atmospheric textures and ambient moods. Drifted Apart could be a country classic with a slightly more traditional arrangement, but Merritt has never bowed to tradition in the pursuit of her singular sound she could and crafts a classic all her own. Still Not Home shivers and shakes with the brilliance of Harris' work with Buddy Miller in Spyboy, while Too Soon to Go shimmers like the '60s folk pop that Judy Collins perfected.
Sonics and her crystalline voice aside, Merritt is quite simply one of the best songwriters currently working in any genre and the success of "Traveling Alone," like all the albums that have preceded it, is obviously a result of Merritt's gift for melody, ear for lyrical beauty and gravity and courage for blazing her own unique trail.
CDs by Tift Merritt
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