Michelle Shocked - Soul of My Soul

Soul of My Soul is Michelle Shocked’s first studio album since the trio that comprised Threesome in 2005. Over the course of just 34 minutes and a few different styles, she presents what’s been occupying her soul as she sings about the “official love of her life” fine artist David Willardson, who painted her portrait on the cover, and her ire towards the Bush administration and the state of the United States. Producer Devin Powers deserves an equal share of the credit since he co-wrote half the tracks and nearly served as one-man band.

On “Love’s Song,” she states while it was “on the lips of other singers,” she found it to be a trap. Then one day, as many people do, she discovers “Love’s song is singing me.” “Other People” appears to be a breakup song. However, by the fourth verse, she reveals she is “saying this citizen to country, not woman to man” and changes the dynamic. Shocked subtlety is skillful, though her timing slightly off, although it will always be apropos to someone.

“Liquid Prayer” is a gospel number about tear-filled prayers brought on by a broken heart. “Ballad of the Battle of the Ballot and the Bullet Part 1: Ugly Americans,” a title almost longer than the song itself, calls out her fellow Americans on this folk tune for issues, such as “reaping our harvest of greed” and “vot[ing] for a war president.”

“Waterproof,” which she declares is what “love was designed to be,” is a quick number with a Latin flair. Aside from my disagreeing with her premise, the synthesizer strips some of the emotion away. Breaking the pattern of love song followed by political song, “Paperboy” is a lusty tale about the title character stopping by.

“Giant Killer” is my favorite, a snarling rocker with Shocked channeling Patti Smith. “Heart to Heart” is a rather touching and insightful look at the way love transforms people into best friends. “Pompeii” has a tropical sound, which would make it right at home at a Jimmy Buffet concert minus the metaphoric lyrics about modern-day America.

The album closer “True Story” is revealed to be just that as Shocked sings directly to Willardson, who she gets the phone at the track’s beginning and professes her love and thanks for coming into her life.

Soul of My Soul finds an artist displaying a portion of hers, and she succeeds by avoiding the pitfalls of corniness and cliché many of her peers stumble into while blinded by bliss or rage.

Michelle Shocked: ToHeavenURide

Michelle Shocked’s ToHeavenURide is available in spite of herself, which is a blessing to us all. She had a “no recording” clause in her contract during her appearance at the 2003 Telluride Bluegrass Festival where she performed the festival’s Sunday morning gospel set. However, since that was the 30th anniversary of the festival, a DVD of the event was made and her set was captured. Shocked wasn’t aware of it, but her new manager thought to ask about the tape's availability. Now we can all hear the sermon of Sister Shocked’s inspirational set.

After introducing her band, they launch into Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Strange Things Happening.” On the bridge, she provides some background info about Tharpe. While not a thought of as a traditional gospel song, the story of The Band’s “The Weight” fits right alongside with its Biblical references.

“Quality of Mercy” is an original song she wrote for Tim Robbin’s Dead Man Walking. She introduces the song by pointing out the incongruity of President Bush's Christian beliefs and the high number of executions when he was Governor of Texas. The theme of people's actions not staying true to their religion is reaffirmed on Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child:” “Rich relations may/ Give crust of bread and such/ You can help yourself/ But don't take too much.” A Satchmo imitation joins in to duet.

Shocked wrote “Good News” for a Greenpeace documentary about Convent, Louisiana, which is along the Mississippi River. The song's theme is about the heavy industry there and its effect on the people. She explains it in “Cancer Alley Rap.”

A different form of good news is delivered with two covers of The Staple Singers. “Wade in the Water” finds Shocked backed by a chorus of vocals and the clap of the audience/congregation. On “Uncloudy Day” the chorus of voices continue, but the clapping is replaced by Nick Forster’s terrific pedal steel guitar.

The solemn tone gives way to a raucous, foundation-shaking version of “Study War No More.” Most people will be more familiar with its alternate title “Down by the Riverside.” Fred Hammond of Commissioned leads the chorus and then takes the lead vocal on “We’re Blessed.”

The set closes with a couple of Shocked songs: “Psalm,” which explains that God “turned the rock that was” her heart, and “Can’t Take My Joy,” a reggae number that tells the trappings of this world will not affect the joy that comes from believing in the next one.

While the sermonizing on ToHeavenURide may turn off some listeners, I appreciate that religion works for some people. Its influence on art, let alone on music is undeniable, and doesn’t detract from the quality of the music and performances herein. Hopefully, Shocked and other artists will see what a gift it is to share their concerts with those unable to attend and reconsider their positions.