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Mary and the Graverobbers

Richard M. Peabody | Arlington, VA United States | 08/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This debut cd is essentially Washington Post journalist Mary Battiata backed up by Karl Straub and the rhythm section of the Graverobbers on cuts 1-8. The result is Like a cross between the Cowboy Junkies and the Feelies, with a dab of Heidi Berry and Fairport era Richard Thompson thrown in for good measure. Straub cotributes some writing and some tasty guitar work and shows more melodic possibilities in a couple of his leads than many guitarists accomplish on an entire album. The last 4 cuts feature an earlier incarnation of the band and feature Brian McGuire's violin and Tom Kane on bass. "Big Top," the cd's closing tune, is one of the best cuts on the album. The performance I saw the other night integrated Brian Mcguire's violin into the Graverobber mix. Fans of Innocence Mission, Susan McKeown & the Chanting House, Downy Mildew, Ida, John & Mary, Betty Elders or Mo Tucker are gonna like this music. Mary's haunting vocals, imagistic lyrics and the bands hooks stick with you. Hats off to Jeff Nelson for putting this package together and slinging it out into the world."