7 Lucinda Williams

West

LOST HIGHWAY 2007, £15

You say: “Super underrated and has Bill Frisell on it.” WarHen Records, via Twitter

Written and recorded during a period that took in her mother’s death and the end of a serious love affair, if there’s an overall theme to Williams’ ninth album it is pain. And there are very few people who can sing about pain as eloquently as Lucinda Williams. Or as multifariously. There’s stoic country (Fancy Funeral); tough, vengeful rock (Come On); and the dark Unsuffer Me, a bit gospel, a bit Doors. Among her 10 accompanists are Jim Keltner, Bill Frisell, Dylan bassist Tony Garnier, The Jayhawks’ Gary Louris on backing vocals, and a string section. Hal Willner, credited with playing turntables, is behind the album’s polished production.