In a time when manufactured bubblegum pop artists dominate the airwaves, it's nice to know that two folksy chicks from Georgia still know how to rock.
In their seventh and most recent album, "Come on Now Social," the Indigo Girls prove that music goes beyond 17-year-old Barbie clones who can dance. They achieve success by being defiantly unique.
Amy Ray and Emily Saliers began playing together in the early 1980s. Now, after two years without a new album, the duo is back with a stylistically diverse array of music.
From bluegrass-inspired ballads to hard rock guitar riffs, "Come on Now Social" constantly switches gears, providing a well-rounded blend of vocal styles and instrumentation. The album features fellow Lillith Fair artists Sheryl Crow and Joan Osborne as backup vocalists in addition to guest bassist Me'Shell Ndegeocello. The guests reflect the mood prevalent in the album as well as the openness of the pair to different styles.
The disc begins with the uncharacteristically harsh "Go," featuring heavy electric guitar riffs and subtle backing vocals by Osborne. Its darker sound contributes to the aggressive lyrics, but lightens up along with more optimistic language during the chorus. Ray's emotional intensity is effective in giving the song its unique personality - her lyrics obviously mean something to her. "Did they tell you it was set in stone / That you'd end up alone / Use your years to psyche you out / You're too old to care / You're too young to count," Ray shouts with an I-want-to-change-the-world attitude.
"Soon To Be Nothing" is a more typical Indigo Girls song, but despite the stylistic similarities, it still has an original feel. Contrasting the harshness of the previous song, Saliers addresses fears of death in this melancholy, but soothing melody. The poetic language of this mellow second track also displays Saliers' lyrical talent.
"Gone Again" has a grass roots flavor and a more folksy feeling. Saliers showcases her banjo playing skills - revealing her bluegrass influences - as well as a whistling segment that adds to the song's improvisational feel. The track also contains backing vocals from Crow and incorporates a kazoo into the percussion.
Another of the disc's diverse selections, "Peace Tonight," offers a more upbeat track. The song opens with a cheerful horn intro reminiscent of the songs that your parents danced to.
"Faye Tucker," a twangy narrative about the execution of a Texas woman on death row, is the closest example of pure country music on the disc. Incorporating instruments such as cellos and accordions, the track gives listeners another glimpse into Ray's songwriting skills. The last track on the CD, the song stands out as an intentionally thought-provoking piece.
Long-time Indigo Girls fans may be surprised by the changes in the new album. In this case, however, change is just another way of demonstrating the evolution of the duo's eclectic talent.
Grade: B+
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