Daisy McCrackin: A review

Courtesy of The MuseBox

There is no shortage of female singers carrying guitars. However, if you ask me, talent doesn’t exactly run rampant among them.

So when my friend Jason from The MuseBox sent me word about the debut EP The Rodeo Grounds from Daisy McCrackin a few days ago, I didn’t jump on the chance to listen to it. But you know, he hasn’t steered me wrong yet so the next day I started checking out the tracks. When “Tell Her” started to play, my husband who was in his own world at his computer actually stopped what he was doing and said, “Wow, I didn’t know you could sing like that.” If only . . .

I got the opportunity to listen to The Rodeo Grounds in its entirety on the way to work the next morning. I love it. It reminds me very much of the Suzanne Vega that I used to listen to tirelessly back in high school and college.

It’s hard to believe that this singer/songwriter, and also accomplished actress, originally had doubts about her musical ability. From her Web site:

Daisy wrote songs and improvised instant ballads ’round the famed campfire, holding her fellow creatives captive while dazzling them with hilarious impromptu outpourings of quirky lyrics, sung to sweet, simple melodies. Still too shy to share her “serious” songs, Daisy stuck to modeling by day, and making her cohorts laugh by night.

Not long after, a friend convinced McCrackin to pursue her musical career and the singer/songwriter found the courage to give it a shot. We owe her friend a thank you. There is something so comforting about McCrackin’s voice and lyrics, but at the same time they are quite haunting. This dichotomy no doubt comes from how close they hit home. Her melodies are still simple and at a quick listen, so are her words. However it is in this simplicity that McCrackin’s vulnerability and self-awareness lie. The songs are honest and raw, not at all trite, which is incredibly refreshing considering the newer folk music out there.

Track after track, I was captivated by the music, the lyrics triggering my own memories. McCrackin says, “Memories are stories that can’t be counted on.” While this may be so (and quite possibly the most simple yet profound summarization of memories I’ve ever heard), they can still bring out emotions. In this way, The Rodeo Grounds is quite successful.

I think if I were to pick a favorite song, it would be “Say You Do.” It reminds me of a relationship I went through for many years but years ago filled with self blame and the beginning of a realization. I have an autobiographical poem or two that would make a good companion to this track.

But really, I'm taken by them all. In “Tell Her,” a secret lover’s sorrowful tone recognizes the hopelessness of the love triangle even if her words do not. “Different Girl” questions whether or not love expires, but not in the vapid manner we are used to. Even the more upbeat “Mermaid’s Daughter,” “Run, Run, Run,” and “Everything” hide sorrow within the chords with lyrics like “Anguish is my second language” and “It’s going to get worse before it gets any better.”

But as I said, for me, this EP just keeps getting better every time I listen to it. That said, I want to hear what you think about it. To get you started, here is the video for “Different Girl." So listen and let me know. I look forward to hearing from you. And keep an eye out here for our interview with Daisy McCrackin.