Shake N Stir:  Failer it never ceases to amaze me that with such a modest population canada manages to produce so many exceptionally talented singer/songwriters. and here's another one. kathleen edwards exhibits exceptional songwriting talent with a wonderful voice not dissimilar to lucinda williams. failer exudes quality and a welcome diversity of pace and mood. the album opens with the hugely melodic and upbeat six o'clock news which bounds along with some great country instrumentals and a vocal that exudes confidence and authority. next track, one more track the radio won't like, conveys a humour and maturity beyond this lady's tender twenty-three years. with another major melody, upbeat ambience and that distinctive voice, the song hits the bullseye again. next up is the languid and moody hockey skates, this time with a forlorn vocal that moves like an earthquake; helped by a sensitive and sparse instrumental arrangement. the lone wolf performs the trick again and i'm reminded of neil young's earthy delivery as edward's voice maintains a detached tone. 12 bellevue travels a faster track as the instrumentals gather pace and provide an edgier, more urgent ambience to the proceedings and ultimately dominate this great song. mercury slows the pace dramatically as edwards' voice takes on a sweeter but more contemplative, melancholy tone in a song about addiction which exudes expression and regret. so good are the songs here that it is difficult to choose a favourite but mercury comes very close. this wonderfully structured song collection then moves back to the fast track again with a swaying, lighter vocal and gorgeous guitar riffs of westby. this wonderful album closes in spectacular fashion with the beautifully glacial ambience of sweet little duck with its lone plucked acoustic guitar and a voice that exudes simplicity, clarity and real emotion. kathleen edwards has created and performed a quite exceptional debut album which i have played many times since receiving it. it ranks alongside the best alt country albums i've heard in recent years. this lady's going places. grade: 4.5 (out of 5)   shakenstir.co.uk				Album reviews Feature articles Interviews Show reviews