Pegi Young & The Survivors
Raw
(Baltimore Thrush)
A divorce album with themes about love, loss and forgiveness, Young’s highly public personal life is dissected via her powerful song craft, with the addition of carefully chosen covers. While it’s an emotional listen, as Young pulls no punches lyrically, there’s musically upbeat moments, with Americana, country-rock and even tunes that make you want to grab a partner and head for the dance floor. However, the soulful moments are the best here, from the Ray Charles cover or the cautious, aptly titled opener, “Why?”, and Young and company even toss in a slowed down version of “These Boots Are Made For Walking”. Armed with her backing band comprised of members of The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Drive-by Truckers, Young’s catharsis is very well executed.
