Before recording her latest offering, Philadelphia-based Carsie Blanton told producer Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers) that she wanted to make a record that married Elvis Costello with the Band. That’s not quite what we have — it’s a more interesting example of contemporary songwriting, more informed by the New Orleans jazz Blanton clearly loves (she dedicated the album to the city as well as to producer Wood) and Wood’s own deft touches as producer, arranger and for the track “Little Death”, co-writer.
Idiot Heart’s 12 songs are funny, heartbreaking and evidence of a remarkable talent that’s about to come into full bloom. Witness the fun and freewheeling titular track “Backbone”, which seems tailor-made for a Nashville audiences with its sassy bass lines and unadorned delivery from its author, or the Rickie Lee Jones-meets-Billie Holiday closer “Honest Truth”.
A refreshing record from a refreshing talent poised to become a major musical force.