I keep struggling to make time in the day to review new (or recent) records that I like. But like everything else I do, I labor over reviews like I'm giving birth and writing the constitution for a new nation at the same time. Henceforth, I will recommend CDs that come in that I don't get around to reviewing in long form under a new heading: "Eric's Quick Picks," because I am, in fact, Eric, and these will be my picks, and they will be damn quick.

Grey DeLisle has created an album of stark rural ballads that just happened to be recorded in the early 21st century. Writing all of the songs but one - accompanied by her husband Murry Hammond (Old 97's) and producer Marvin Etzioni on guitars and various acoustic stringed instruments, and bassist Sheldon Gromberg - DeLisle evokes a 19th century America of evil beauties, sweet redemption, true love vs. hard soil, precarious life, early death, and the persistence of memory. The DeLisle/Hammond duet waltz "Tell Me True" is almost overwhelming in its emotional vulnerability.

Apropos of nothing, DeLisle is also an active voice actor on numerous animated series, most notably as the voice of vile baby sitter Vicky (!) on Fairly Odd Parents, and as Emily Elizabeth on Clifford the Big Red Dog. It's a funny world.

Concert schedule:
Aug 27 - McCabe's - W Los Angeles, CA
Aug 28 - Lestat's - San Diego, CA
Sept 4 - Kerrville Wine Festival - Kerrville, TX
Sept 5 - Continental Club - Austin, TX
Sept 23 - AMA Conference - Nashvill, TN