Laura Dawn
Believer
Ecstasy / Warner
Man, it’s been a long time since I’ve sat down to review a CD. I haven’t heard anything that excites me to the point to sit my ass in front of a computer and type out a review. All of this has changed, though, since I picked up this Laura Dawn’s Believer. Laura is from Pleasantville, Iowa and grew up listening to the likes of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. A friend of hers turned her onto punk rock, she moved to New York at 21 with $300, and fronted an all-female punk rock band named Fluffer . All of this culminates with this, her first solo release. How good is this disc? Well, consider that it’s produced by Ted Nicely (Fugazi), and studio musicians include Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) on bass, drummers Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle) and Kevin March (Shudder to Think), and guitarist Richard Fortus (Psychedelic Furs, Love Spit Love).
There’s not a bad song on this disc, and you will probably be singing most of tunes shortly enough. In keeping with Dawn’s country upbringing, the songs contained here tell individual stories that give you an idea of what her life has been like. Unlike her country upbringing, these songs rock. Just check out “The Old You,” “Delicious,” and the title track. The album also has a softer side that is showcased brilliantly with “Useless In LA,” the album’s finest moment. After a couple of listens, you’ll walk away feeling that you’ve known Laura most of your life. That is what separates this disc from a lot of the music out today – it’s honest, sincere, and a lot of fun to listen to.
Laura Dawn: http://www.lauradawn.net
