Bell, Glenna
Perfectly Legal; Songs Of Sex, Love
Recorded in four acts, this album unfolds as a stripped down, dramatic journey through seldom-told stories of "a real woman living a real life" at the turn of the twenty-first century. The production is spare, emphasizing Glenna Bells haunting vocals and memorable lyrics that treat contemporary and timeless themes ranging from Bells comical romp, "The Cougar Anthem," to her tragic dirge, "The Southern Gothic Wedding Waltz." She also delivers some unique covers, including a first-person, barrel-house version of "Frankie and Johnny", an a capella rendition of Sam Cooks "Lost and Lookin", and a stone-cold country duet take on Clint Eastwoods "Honky Tonk Man". Perfectly Legal will appeal to those who enjoy minimalist theater (Brecht, Strindberg, Beckett), the Alan Lomax collection, Songs of the South, and traditional country music.