Martha Wainwright's self-titled 2005 debut album is, in the words of Beth Orton, "Truly amazing." Daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and sister of Rufus Wainwright, she is pure musical pedigree. She has no doubt been influenced by such a strong musical background and though she manages to combine all the best elements from these commanding figures, she does so in a way that is completely her own. As Uncut magazine said of her sound, "Her song-writing combines something of her mother's grace, her father's wit and her brother's artful, cabaret-pop sophistication, delivered with a rock 'n' roll spirit all of her own." The special-edition album is comprised of 13 spellbinding tracks with 3 additional bonus tracks making it a masterpiece of somewhat epic proportions.
The album opens with the breezy, dream-like 'Far Away', a wonderful introduction to Martha's captivating voice. The song manages a thoughtful and reflective air while resisting the temptation to become bitter, gently lulling the listener into Martha's world. A magnificent opening track by all accounts followed by the significantly more up-tempo 'G.P.T.' (Greenpoint Tavern).
The song eases in in typical Martha style - just acoustic guitar and vocals with the rest of the band kicking in on the third line. The lyrics, as ever, display a stark honesty carried by Martha's smoky, sandpaper vocals, a no-holds barred narrative of drunken desire.
One of the more notable songs on the album is that of 'Factory'. At first listen one is easily carried away by the breezy, melodic guitar riffs, it is only on closer inspection that the song reveals a sense of utter displacement and uneasiness in the world. It is laced with a sweet, poetic melancholy characteristic of Martha's outstanding lyrical ability.
The beautiful, 'These Flowers' once again showcases Martha's ability to write delicate and stunningly poetic lyrics. The song is kept uncluttered with acoustic guitar, harp and piano providing the perfect backdrop for Martha's searing vocals.
'Ball & Chain', I feel, is one of the weaker links on the album, though by no means a bad song. A frank and candid confession ("She's getting a degree in fucking you") not uncommon on the album.
In contrast, 'Don't Forget' returns to the fragile harmonies and minimalist style she does best with little more that an acoustic guitar to accompany the subtle poignancy of her lyrics.
'This Life' is another particularly notable song with its churning acoustic finger picking riff and steady beat. Martha laments the boringness of everyday minutia and yet manages to maintain a certain amount of positivity in the sweet sentiment, "But that's alright it's okay/ It's still worth living."
'When The Day Is Short' manages to pick up the pace slightly without seeming out of place and the lyrics remain remarkably honest in keeping with the rest of the album. A song filled with vulnerability and perhaps even a sense of poignancy but never manifesting itself in regret.
The defining point of the album is undoubtedly the anthemic 'Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole'. The song is a bold attack on her father, "I will not pretend/ I will not put on a smile/ I will not say I'm alright for you." Stripped down to just an acoustic guitar, the song frames her glorious vocals in all their raw and unadulterated angst. The bitterness contained in the lyrics is almost palpable making it one of the most honest and intriguing songs on the album. Decidedly more subtle and beautiful than the title might suggest, a masterpiece by anyone's standards.
One of my personal favourites, 'TV Show' addresses the issue of her own self-worth, 'But the way that I don't love myself.' There seems to be a self-destructive and somewhat masochistic force at play in the song, a recurring theme on the album. Martha constantly appears to immerse herself in relations where physical attraction becomes more important than any other, avoiding any emotional connection. Once again a strikingly honest narrative.
The remaining tracks on the album, while by no means poor, seem to fade in comparison to the first half. 'The Maker' is a beautiful song featuring Rufus on backing vocals and displays once more Martha's exceptional lyrical ability. While, 'Who Was I Kidding?' is another minimalist song stripped down to just Martha and an acoustic guitar for most of the song. Finally, 'Wither Must I Wander', the closing track, provides opportunity to display her truly amazing vocal range.
The bonus tracks: 'Bring Back My Heart', a duet with brother, Rufus, 'Baby', a charming and minimalist ballad, and 'Dis, Quand Reviendras-Tu?'.
All in all an absolutely magnificent piece of work!
Notable tracks: Far Away, Factory, Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole, TV Show
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How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
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Martha Wainwright -
With her debut album appearing at the age of 28, Martha Wainwright has lived in a musical
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world since she was born. She posses a voice with timbres similar to her brother, Rufus, and to her mother and aunt, Kate&Anna McGarrigle. She also has a way of s...
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