Lucinda Williams live

"car wheels" is the one most people cite, and i agree it's a great record, but it's also probably her most conventional singer-songwriter fare. i prefer "essence" and "world without tears", where she more or less invents her own style--minimalist, raw and hyper-emotional. not many artists choose to be less polished and ambitious with succeeding releases, and i give her credit.
i'll also second notecs nod to kathleen edwards, who does slightly prettified version of lucinda very well--her records are excellent.

Again, what you are witnessing on the road is her very serious narcotic habit and her depression in its varying stages. It is actually quite sad but it is not a "put on" or a "contradiction" in the usual sense. Rock and roll is full of male artists who have gone through long stretches of subpar performance because of drug habits ( which frequently enhance their persona). Ryan Adams comes to mind. Another troubled artist with great talent but you really hold your breath when you go see him live cause you never know what kind of shape he's going to be in. Lately he seemed sober and he has been fantastic. I agree that Lucinda Williams has not been at her best for several years now and I agree that there are other , better choices to see live. However, she is as talented as any and if/when she gets it together she will be right back on top. - Jim

saw jerry jeff walker in 73 and he had to start over several times. something about san gria wine. still listen to mr bo jangeles. gives these people a break. they are artists not machines or performing monkees. saw eric clapton during one of his less than stellar moments. don,t care.that.s the way it goes. did charli parker always display genuis?

After an evening alternating between the LP and CD versions of Blessed, it's clear that this is Lucinda at the top and an extraordinary album by any measure.

She's opening for the Levon Helm Band at Massey Hall in Toronto tonight and tomorrow.