Following up “Have You Ever,” Carlile ups the ante with the crowd’s obvious favorite, “What Can I Say,” which has a far more country sound to it and excellent lyrics which become infectious to the audience who at one point takes over and sings the chorus aloud. Asking “how many rules” she must break and how sad she is since “she went away” as “Time, time tickin’ on me/Alone is the last place I wanted to be,” it’s a pretty, sad song that emphasizes and makes the most out of the fact that as Carlile said, “I’ve gone through all sorts of vocal phases, from pop to blues to R&B, but no matter what I do, I just can’t get the country & western out of my voice.”
While “What Can I Say,” maybe the hit of the Boston EP, it’s the last two tracks that most commanded my attention. The third track is her biggest hit, “The Story,” which sounds even better live and she gets so into it that it’s a wonder those beautiful vocal chords of hers didn’t break. However, the biggest surprise was what is hands-down the best cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” that I’ve ever heard. The guitar gets damn near out of control, rocking harder than we’ve ever heard it before, yet staying so true to Cash’s lyrics and country twang that she never makes an inauthentic move.
While the album is exclusively available for download on iTunes, you can also find a bonus video of “Josephine” as well as a cover of the Radiohead anthem “Creep” available at the link synergy website. And when you realize that all this has been accomplished with sheer determination and natural talent sans professional guidance at such a young age, you become even more inspired to find out what Brandi Carlile will release next.
Article comments
1 - just.a.fan.
Carlile is amazing, and the Boston EP rocks, while the cover of Creep is killer. Its always nice to read about her, i cant wait for her new cd. hands down one of the best artiest out there, her voice and lyrics blow me away every time. and her recent work on Amy Rays new cd is really nice too, how can it not be though, its Amy Ray and Brandi Carlile, it just doesn't get much better then that. although i think shes older then 23.
2 - ben
just wanted to say that she's definitely not 23. at least 27.
and also wanted to say that it's SNOWING!
3 - Jen
Thanks for reading, you guys and sorry about the snow, Ben! She very well could be older; I just went from the info provided by her record company and website but regardless of age-- that's one amazing talent!! :)
Happy listening.
- Jen