Kathleen Edwards - "Back To Me"(Zoë Records, 2005)

Maybe twenty years in state'll change your mind
'Cause I know where the cops hang out
And I know where you'll be found
I know what you're all about
I know when you're going down ...

With venom, Kathleen Edwards opens her album Back To Me with "In State," which may be the best song about leaving an abusive relationship that I've ever heard. From there, Edwards crafts a magnificent album full of dark story-songs about real life, from a female perspective that is at once refreshing and original. She successfully blends country with straight-up rock in the vein of Sheryl Crow or Rosie Thomas. "Pink Emerson Radio" is a standout track; Edwards sings mournfully over a melody comprised of acoustic guitar and the echo of vibraphone and light soothing touches of electric guitar. Edwards proved with her debut album Failer that she could blend Lucinda Williams' folk with the sounds of contemporary country rock and still remain on the outside the conventional Nashville scene. With Back To Me she proves she should have a long career in the business, even if radio never comes calling.