Gretchen Peters
Hello Cruel World
Tracks: 11
So, finally, here we are. The long anticipated new CD from revered singer songwriter Gretchen Peters. Those of us who saw her on tour last year were given little teasers and have thus known, rather than suspected, that this would be up there with her best. Just how good it is, we had no way of knowing.
The intriguing title is ostensibly a pun on the famous exit line, but in actuality, it is so much more than that. Gretchen has always been inspired by experiences and people, and just as Burnt Toast and Offerings came from her divorce, Hello Cruel World, came from the juxtaposition of global and personal experiences. She states, ‘“In 2010 the universe threw its best and its worst at me. Some was personal and some was global. All of it seemed to demand that I redefine my ideas of permanence and re-evalute what I believe in, to literally rethink what is real.’ Not least in all of this were environmental catastrophes and the revelation that her child is transgender. Thus, the resulting CD came from a deep, personal and sometimes dark place.
Interestingly, over the years, Gretchen has become increasingly open with her fans about her experiences; at shows, through articles she has shared, facebook, stories she shares behind the songs, and more and more, through her songs. Coupled with this, I feel, is a revelation. Gretchen is a remarkable songwriter, no matter what she is writing about. When it comes from her life and the things deep inside her, it is impossible to put into words the beauty of what comes from her pen. It is no longer lyrics, it is secrets and experiences shared, pain articulated, realisations made, healing made possible. All of this is conveyed through Gretchen’s haunting vocals and Barry Walsh’s stunning piano. Exactly as it should be.
The title and opening track of the CD is, simply, brilliant, with just a touch of attitude. The opening line, ‘Haven’t done as well as I thought I would, I’m not dead but I’m damaged goods..’ in many ways could describe each and every one of us. Amid metaphors and references to fate, she concludes, ‘I’m a very lucky girl...’
Saint Francis refers to the well known patron saint of ecology, friend of all animals and lover of nature; asking, very articulately, what he would think of the current state of the environment. This song contains some of the most beautiful lyrics I’ve heard.
Along with Barry Walsh’s very Spanish sounding accordion, The Matador paints a clever picture of love, in which the matador himself somehow comes to feel like a metaphor rather than a reality.
Dark Angel is a duet with Rodney Crowell; their harmony is stunning. Their voices blend effortlessly to sing of the old souls who fall into our lives, questioning the existence of angels, heaven and hell, and if maybe in this crazy world, we become each other’s angels. They say there are angels all around us. I wonder...
Paradise Found takes on a blues sound to create a fascinating look at spirituality and religion.
Natural Disaster cleverly intertwines the ideas of natural disasters and relationships and how we look for meanings in all of it which may not even be there.
Camille appeared on the Wine Women and Song – Sewanee Sessions EP. A co write, it was also recorded by Matraca Berg on her new CD. Fascinatingly, they both interpret the song completely differently, Gretchen adding a subtle hint of trumpet to tell this woman’s story of shame and violation. ‘The sins of the fathers are not meant for daughters.’ Haunting.
It is incredibly difficult to favour any of the songs on this CD; however, there are some which from the first listen took hold of me and have refused to let go. Idlewild is one of the most visual songs I’ve heard in a long time; the words just create images. Sung in the first person, there are moments, or elements, of Gretchen’s early life, memories and family within the lyrics. Along with this is the realisation that some things never change. Reading her blog entry for this song took my breath away as the song gained a new layer of meaning.
Five Minutes could equally be Gretchen’s finest moment. Its protagonist, in many ways, is a little of every one of us; reflecting, struggling, finding a way to move forward and survive. The reference to her memories as ‘ghosts inside my dreams’ and to how ‘in five minutes your whole life can change’ are particularly stirring as so many people will relate.
Woman on the Wheel was the first song Gretchen previewed on tour and one I loved from first hearing it. Gretchen then referred to it as ‘the sequel to Circus Girl.’ The idea of the ‘woman on the wheel’ could have several meanings within the lyrics of the song. ‘You see it ain’t your fears but what your fears reveal’ encompasses the meaning of the whole song.
The CD ends with Little World; considering how we create our own little oasis, with things and people who matter to us, so we can close the door on the madness of the world around us.
Overall, this is a slower, more thoughtful, introspective collection; destruction, hurt, chaos, yet despite this, full of hope – maybe acceptance that the world, and life, are what they are and all we can do is hold onto that wheel and make the best of it. That is certainly made easier with music like this in the world. My advice? Get the CD, cry your tears, find some hope and join Gretchen in saying Hello Cruel World.
www.barrywalsh.com
www.fatea-magazine.co.uk
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