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You can't keep a good woman down sounds like a Country song title though here in the city, you can, at least until your tongue gets numb. I could have my horse kick me after missing the releases of Danni Leigh's second and third albums. Still, it may be an understandable consequence of record company vicissitudes described in my colleague's biographical brief. |
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A Shot of Whiskey & A PrayerAcquiring these two gems within days of each other, they sort of blend together. A Shot Of Whiskey & A Prayer [Sony, 2001; 11, 36:12] is a fine addition to her repertoire. I especially like "Longnecks, Cigarettes" by Danni and Rory Lee. The band is tight. Like 29 Nights, it features a cornucopia of Country sounds. Plus it contains the great line, "I'd love to take my clothes off and throw them on the floor." Danni sounds great, really working the songs.It's a doggone crime that this album went unnoticed, but that's no reason for you not to buy it. |
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Divide And ConquerDivide And Conquer [Audium, 2001; 10, 35:45] is produced and arranged by Pete Anderson, Danni's choice for the job. The album may be even better than 29 Nights, with Danni exercising full vocal power over these excellent songs, many destined to become classics. "House of Pain" is exquisite. I personally like "Somebody Ought to Do Something About That Girl" as well as the haunting title song, with its cool coda. Listening on the headphones reveals the intricacies of the arrangements.If I had to isolate one flaw, it's that the album is too short. Would eleven songs have been a strain? Maybe the idea is to keep 'em wantin' more. Still, the music is economical and her third straight album without a song berating men must be some kind of Country record. I've listened to Divide And Conquer over and over, and it's not like I have a CD shortage, it's that I can't get enough of this great album. Thanks, Danni. I'm proud of you. 
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29 NightsHere's a dynamite album.29 Nights [Decca, 1998, 11; 35:01] kicks off with a grabber, "If the Jukebox Took Teardrops," shifting into overdrive with a neat hillbilly number co-written by Danni and worthy of BR5-49. When she downshifts into a catchy ballad with a twist on cut three, it's obviously great. As are all the songs. "Teardrops, Teardrops" is rockabilly-like, with a driving beat. "Ol' Lonesome" revives the barroom sensibility of the earlier ballad. A 1973 Merle Haggard song fits snugly ahead of 1961's "Touch Me" by Willie Nelson with an authentic string arrangement. The album ends on a rocking note, a song reminiscent of Carlene Carter, speaking of whom, Danni may be the Dave Edmunds of Country: her new songs resound like familiar old favourites. The lyrics drip sarcasm, attitude and Country, unlike the panderous Shania Twain.
The quality persists, with outstanding performances
that leave the listener panting for more. Terrific! |
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