Personnel: Dar Williams (vocals, guitar); Katryna Nields, Nerissa Nields, Cliff Eberhardt, Lucy Kaplansky, John Prine (vocals); Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, dobro, fiddle); Mark Shulman, Jeff Golub (electric guitar); Eileen Ivers (fiddle); Erik Friedlander, Gideon Freudmann (cello); Art Baron (didgeridoo); William Galison (harmonica); Steve Gaboury (piano) Mark Egan, Zev Katz (bass); Billy Ward (drums, snare drum); Roger Squitero (congas); Sammy Merendino.
Recorded in Dar Williams' bedroom, Massachusetts and at Sorcerer Sound, New York, New York.
MORTAL CITY, the follow-up to Dar Williams' successful debut, THE HONESTY ROOM, is rife with whimsy, wit, and the confessional style of songwriting that first drew fans to Williams. Her confessional style remains engaging, charming, and rarely self-indulgent. Williams tackles delicate subjects skillfully. On "As Cool as I Am," for instance, she sings about female jealousy and feelings of inadequacy in male-female relationships. Threatened by a woman who seems to have caught the attention of her lover, Williams wrestles with her own insecurity. Williams emerges victorious, ultimately declaring that she will not be afraid of women and won't allow her herself be intimidated by them.
"The Christians and the Pagans" tells of a woman's Christmastime visit to a relative's house-with her female companion. Family members are miffed (the subject and her buddy are said "pagans"), but Williams' subtle humor and keen sense of melody win the day-and propel the song. A strong second set, MORTAL CITY proves that Williams is a formidable talent who won't be disappearing anytime soon.
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