Words for Loss for Words reveals a more polished Beki Hemingway than on previous efforts. There is still the difficulty in trying to categorize her sound -- is she an 80's rock chick or does she fit into the Lilith Fair singer/songwriter mode?
The answer is yes. This album ranges from Indigo Girls/Patty Griffin territory ("Better Vision", "Crows of Cashel") to songs that could come straight from a soundtrack to a John Hughes movie ("Siouxanne"). The guitar work of husband Randy Kerkman, and the production of John Mark Painter, combined with Beki's scream/whisper vocals make this a pleasure.
"Good Again" is concerned with forgiveness and the rebuilding of relationships. "Only Thing Worse" is almost country in tone, given lyrics like:
The albums in two stacks
We did the math but I was
Never good with long division...
The only thing worse
Than watching you leave
Is seeing you here.
Former VOLer Chris Bland fills in on bass on this song, and on "Hope is All I Have". Multitalented Jonathan Rundman makes his usual guest appearances on background vocals on several songs, and add keyboards on "Only Thing Worse".
"To Spare You" is a stark portrayal of someone trying desperately to be real, but afraid of the reaction if their true nature is revealed. It brings to mind the VOL line: "Tell me your deep dark secret/and I will tell you mine/Is that your deep dark secret?/Oh, well never mind". It is a poignant representation of the line we all walk, knowing others see us as we are, but covering up that fact to avoid feeling pain.
"Crows of Cashel" has a Celtic feel to it, while "Better Vision" features a local-than-usual vocal from Beki, almost at the Karen Carpenter/Amy Grant level. Former This Train mate Mark Robertson shows up to sing backup on a 70's cover "Just Remember I Love You".
Words for Loss for Words is a step toward a more mature, deeper Beki Hemingway. While songs like "Siouxanne" reflect on problems of young adulthood, the others here deal with themes of brokenness, forgiveness, relationships, and trying to leave past mistakes behind. Listening to Rinse.Repeat, then Too Much Plenty, then Words shows a logical progression both lyrically and musically. This is simply a great album, with no throwaways.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trish PattersonIn a world full of darkness, some people are blessed with a soulmate to help them through their journey here on earth, not only to make it more bearable but to make it a glorious journey. One example of that is the husband-wife team of Beki Hemingway and Randy Kerkman who have collaborated their talents once again to release her second full rock album, Words for Loss for Words. Produced by John…Similar sounding releases
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