Martha Wainwright - I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too
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MOGStars: 8 out of 10
It's hard to believe that latest release I Know You're Married But I've Feelings Too is only Martha Wainwright's second full album - collaborations with artists ranging from brother Rufus to Snow Patrol, the Canadian-American songstress has firmly established herself with the music scene. And securing assistance on this record from (amongst others) Pete Townshend and Donald Fagen, this record is unlikely to loose her that place.
Although lacking the punch of titles like Bloody Muthafucking Asshole, this wry record is still filled with the passion found in the first. Opening track Bleeding Over You combines an almost sedentary and rolling country feel with the bitter anguish of unrequited love, its chorus coming from the album's title. The track flows gently with the occasional guitar pluck and fluttering woodwind, but there is no mistaking the powerful current that flows underneath it.
The album goes from the sublime to the ridiculous however with the soccer mom radio friendly You Cheated Me. Unmistakably the product of someone raised in the eighties, it is a song which seems to demand bad dance moves and even worse hair. Yet like much of the eighties' pop culture, somehow, on some bizarre level, it works, and you'll soon find yourself singing along with glee. Less successful an experiment, however, is the bluesy pop of Comin' Tonight where Wainwright's vocal acrobatics become a little too much to bear.
In Jesus and Mary, however, Wainwright is able to control her potent vocal skill with consummate skill - her lyrics are delivered with staccato accuracy over minimalist beats, whilst the chorus sees her stretch out the halting vowels as the record soars and swoops. Also impressive is the despairing Hearts Club Band in which she tames the histrionics and utilises them for full effect, rather than being carried away by them.
Wainwright also maintains the ability to intrigue, as well as entertain, through the album. The Kate Bush-esque So Many Friends is an unexpected as the Nick Cave echoing In The Middle of The Night, the latter's brooding melancholy more spiteful than anything else on the album, whilst the former is a longingful gem. Yet the real surprise comes in the unexpected cover of See Emily Play, far more controlled than Syd Barrett ever intended, the psychadelica is subdued and replaced with a beguiling sweetness.
It is certain the star of this record is Wainwright's vocals, the lynchpin than holds down some of the more fanciful experiments, and while her talent is occasionally tempestuous, she uses it well. I Know You're Married… sees her break away from simply being another of the Wainwright McGarrigle clan - father-baiting is kept to a single slight sometimes "I feel like my dad for leaving her sad and alone in this big house", yet she still creates a highly personal album. With few exeptions both content and delivery are impressive, and so while it may not be in-family fighting that makes this album stand out, it still showcases her pedigree.
Video for You Cheated Me here (explicit- contains brief scenes of a sexual nature)
Comments (8)
Not sure that this is my cup of tea, but I'm willing to take a sip. Your review is that intriguing.
Although I got a "this video is not available in your country" treatment for the first time from youtube.................. :O
I think its because the video is an official record company post on youtube... I guess you are really disapointed that you don't get the explicit scenes :P
And I think you might be suprised of you try this record... (and as ever, thanks for the compliments)
I Know You’re Married... has been one of my favorite albums of the year since I heard it about a month ago. First song to last (plus bonus track - heh, heh). In fact, I've been so crazy about the recording (and Martha - loved her first album, too) that I couldn't bring myself to write a reasoned appraisal of it. Smitten I am. Thanks for spreading the word on this one, Jox.
Nice review. Just added this album to my list. Bet you'd really like My Brightest Diamond after reading this. I've had their newest on a loop for the past week.
Great review Jox, although after listening to the video I think I am going to have to pass on this one.
Kevin: I'd recommend sampling a few other songs on the album before you totally dismiss it (especially "Bleeding All Over You"). Then again, I am besotted.
always love reading your stuff Jox...will check out the album myself as well and let ya know... :) "soccer mom radio friendly You Cheated Me" cracked me up ...
Great review. I was already intrigued by the wonderful title - worthy of a classic country song - but your review has me heading out to buy.