American Folk: Amy Fairchild's Mr. Heart

I only found out about Amy Fairchild through a link on singer-songwriter Cliff Eberhardt’s site. If lots of people have been talking about Fairchild, then it’s my own fault for not listening. If not enough people have been talking about her, then that’s to the shame of many fine music writers.

Fairchild’s voice sweeps from deep and sensual to a high, country-lilt. Her brand of American Folk (towards the rock end of the category) calls to mind Shawn Colvin, which also means Fairchild is near Lucy Kaplansky, Catie Curtis, and the Indigo Girls in the Spectrum.

I find her songwriting to set in motion the introspection we all need. Mr. Heart (2002), her most recent studio album (a live album was released this winter) begins with “Falling Down” explores wanting a love that you just can’t get. When she sings, “Like a bug on the window/I wanted in,” you know the feeling she’s talking about. Like Colvin’s “Shotgun Down the Avalanche,” the lyric metaphorically opens up the exact feeling in your heart.

Fairchild can also tell a good tale as in “Renee,” a song about a French woman living upstairs who gets abused by her boyfriend. Of course, when she sings it and describes the scene, it’s not just a short, unemotional statement. You find yourself wanting to help Renee too; you find yourself thinking of women who might be in a similar situation around you.

“Beautiful Secret” rocks a bit more and here we’d have to say that Fairchild sounds a bit more like Sarah McLaughan, Alanis Morrisette, or Liz Phair. “Shade of Blue” is a country rocker similar to Mary Chapin-Carpenter’s sound.

Ever find yourself thinking you’re the center of the world, not really paying attention to the loved ones around you, the song “Movie” might wake you up from that obsession. The verses are all about wandering around in a daze with your lover, going through the motions, the lover asking, “Where are you/Am I coming through?” The chorus, though, is all defiance, the refusal to admit when you’re too self-centered, “I’m where I wanna be/Starring in my own damn movie/And you get in for free.”

As I said, listen to Fairchild’s songs, and you’ll get a good dose of introspection. Listen to Fairchild’s songs, because while everyone oohs and aahs over many other singer-songwriters, Amy Fairchild is coming on strong and deserves to be heard.

WIN THE ALBUM!
There are 2 chances to win Amy Fairchild’s CD, Mr. Heart. Entrants must had to name their favorite female singer-songwriter. Winners: #1 - Jerry of Sheboygan Falls, WI, (answer: Shawn Colvin)(he also wins the Flynn CD, because Flynn is a friend and fellow Bostonian of Fairchild's), #2 - Bruce of PA (answer: I know it's not politically correct at the moment, but I have to say that my favorite female singer/songwriter is... Amy Grant! A close second would be Shania Twain, and third is Faith Hill (and I'm not even a country music fan!). Editor's Note: I guess we'll forgive you, and Amy Fairchild will give some better music!

Thanks to Amy for the review and giveaway CDs. Thanks to Cliff Eberhardt for helping me discover such a wonderful artist.