Issue 505

Kasey Chambers Little Bird Liberation Music 'Little Bird' is Aussie country songstress Kasey Chambers fifth solo album, and what a cracker it is. This is a return to her country roots after her 2006 'Carnival', which was more of a pop album, and is also markedly different to the roots/country of her 2008 collaboration with hubby Shane Nicholson, the brilliant ARIA winning 'Rattlin' Bones'. Writing all songs can be difficult enough, but Chambers decided to produce this herself with able assistance from sibling Nash; and with backing by The Millionaires, which included Jim Moginie as well as Nicholson and Bill Chambers on guitars and numerous stringed instruments, the result is an outstanding release. The opener, the optimistic Someone Like Me, sets the musical tone, with most songs being uptempo allowing the lyrics to come through telling the relevant story. The title track is a stronger version of Not Pretty Enough, and whilst being introspective possesses the ability to make the listener, male or female, to stop and consider how to handle the insecurities flung upon us. Chambers goes bluesy mind on the chant driven Down Here On Earth with a myriad of sounds including chains on grates and a searing guitar solo creating a cacophony of sound. And speaking of cacophony of sounds the 6 minute closer, the oh-so-rock of Train Wreck is to die for with Moginie's guitar urgently speeding along. However, the highlight is Nullabor, The Biggest Backyard, a story that could only be written by someone who lived, not just visited, the treeless plain. The references of the Tea and Sugar Train, Gunbarrel, 10 cents on the track, Ooldea and the Aborigines will appeal to those still living there, or those who may know their history. Featuring just Chambers vocal and a poignant banjo and subtle guitar and bass, it conjures up images of star laden sky's spanning horizon to horizon and a desire to (re)experience the freedom such space provides. Simply put, this is my Australian album of the year. Mark Liebelt