Sloan Wainwright - Upside Down & Under My Heart
2011, Derby Disc
2011, Derby Disc
In the beginning, God created LoudonWainwright, III, and it was good. Later came Rufus and Martha, and then LucyWainwright-Roche, and all was well for a new generation. Yet quietly, in themidst of all this musical creation, another Wainwright voice emerged. Forged ofearth and sky, the deep contralto of Sloan Wainwright arose from the earth.Many stopped and stared in surprise at this unknown commodity, hewn more fromthe classical bedrock of folk music than any of her extended family. Now, sixalbums and many accolades on, Sloan Wainwright continues as the quiet musicalbedrock that serves as the contrast for a wildly talented and creative family.2011 saw the release of Sloan Wainwright's sixth album, Upside Down &Under My Heart, chronicles the aftermath of the death of her husbandGeorge, and noble effort of a human heart to overcome, heal and begin anew.
Presence is a gift in an artist. Itcannot be learned or taught, but the natural talent can be developed in one soendowed. Sloan Wainwright's presence on Upside Down & Under My Heartis preternatural, carrying a sense of spirit and truth that is compelling.Without artifice or affectation, Wainwright bears her heart in ten originalsongs that cut to the meat of human suffering, healing and survival. "LiveOut The Best Of Your Life" is a mantra, of sorts, a challenge to wake upeach day, put your feet on the floor and go on. Simple in sentiment and deep inmeaning, it's the perfect opener, delivered in Wainwright's clear, naturalvoice. "Upside Down & Under My Heart" is a sweet country balladwritten from an expectant mother to her unborn child. The almost melancholyarrangement is in counterpoint to the peaceful, loving words that pass from oneto the other, in a moment of beauty so simple it shines. "Here I Am"plays like a song of becoming; of growing up, or of emerging from darkness intoa new sense of self. Once again, Wainwright eschews fancy dress for simpletruth, allowing the emerging beauty of the human heart striving to be itself shinethrough.
"I Can See Now" is asimple declaration; a matter of fact, beautiful poetic statement of account ofone, again, emerging from darkness. Similarly, "My Song" is aboutestablishing yourself once again. In the context of the album, it can be seenas re-claiming the sense of self that was shared for so long and then tornasunder. In this moment, Wainwright finds healing, even as the pain of losscontinues to abate but slowly. "I Wear The Ring" plays in manylayers, sounding at first like an expectant bride, but perhaps a node to thepast rather than the future. The allegory of the road will not be lost on thosewho make their living from music, although here the road is more mystical thanreal. "Holland" represents a sense of moving on, finding the power tobegin again amidst new scenery. The story is told alongside a stunning melody,simple in its beauty yet weighty in its power. "Little Bit Right"explores the struggle to feel okay about feeling okay, and Wainwright concludeswith "I Am Free", a gone-but-not-forgotten anthem that declareshealth and happiness in the gift of the time left.
In many ways, Sloan Wainwright comesfull circle on Upside Down & Under My Heart. What doesn't changethroughout the album is the simple power of lyrics, and the utter beauty of themelodies she pares them with. Wainwright builds simple parts into sublimecreations while exploring the depths of human pain and recovery without maliceor spite; a refreshing approach on modern music, popular or otherwise. UpsideDown & Under My Heart is too mature to be truly popular, unfortunately,but it is a wondrous work that deserves to remembered and recognized when theyear-end lists come around.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
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