An intriguing album that is not easy to classify, and most certainly Ms Palmer can not be accused of being formulaic. She takes a whole new approach to the torch song with everything from Brecht to Motown to rap, and most things in between, thrown in to the mix and given a damn good syncopated beating.
Among the excellent tracks is the opener "I Confess", a sort of funky, semi-rap mid tempo number; the somewhat darkly humorous "Did Your Mama? (The Nurse Song)", and the infectiously catchy "Superjones". However, "Down So Low", a wonderfully slow, sensuous, soulful song (written by Tracy Nelson) is the highlight of the album, with Holly's vocals perfectly supported by a predominately piano backing provided by Billy Preston.
The other standout is her version of Holland, Dozier & Holland's "You Keep Me Hangin' On". Transformed from Motown's mid 60's pop oriented soul sound, to a dark and brooding song with a whole new meaning - this is what Motown would have sounded like if Tom Waits had written for them! Produced by Don Was, you will either regard this version as a work of genius or complete sacrilege. We'll leave it for you to decide.
This is certainly an album that you will be able to play more than once. In fact it demands it, as it's just too much to take in on one play alone.