While many singer/songwriters attempt to chronicle tales of everyday life in their songs, few, if any do it as well as Lori McKenna - on ‘Bittertown’ she creates authentic snapshots of ordinary people with ordinary lives and failings, recording their dreams and hopes in a manner that gives the protagonists real character and substance.
The thirteen songs are loosely related as they chronicle the efforts of people trying to deal with their lives, and although the issues are universal the strength is the tight focus on the characters and their own scenario.
The songs range from acoustic traditional singer/songwriter material (‘One Man’, ‘Stealing Kisses’) to full on band tracks (‘Bible Song’, ‘Cowardly Lion’) moving fluidly between styles and with some stunning highlights along the way.
The instrumentation is traditional singer/songwriter fare with a variety of guitars, percussion, organ etc., but the quality is exceptional and the musicians involved are some of the best on the singer/songwriter scene, including Kevin Barry, Duke Levine and Lorne Entress, with excellent vocal support provided by Buddy Miller, Mark Erelli and Chris Trapper.
As with her previous discs, the way she delivers songs is just as important as the words, she sings with passion and commitment (without ever being over emotional or forced) and her vocals reinforce the sentiments in the lyrics perfectly and help create a lasting impression – these are songs that stick with you long after you’ve finished listening to the disc
There are highlights throughout ‘Bittertown’, but obvious standouts include ‘Stealing Kisses’ a simple but powerful song with great lyrics and delivery; ‘Lonestar’ recalls the lives, both past and present of school contemporaries, and is a wonderfully detailed song that’s full of character; and ‘Mr Sunshine’ is the most radio friendly track with an excellent 12 string guitar part, a strong melody and a memorable chorus.
‘Bittertown’ is a stunning piece of work, musically it’s easily accessible and enjoyable from the off with strong melodies, instrumentation and singing throughout, but the real strength is in the lyrics which are exceptional by any standards. 
Song for song this album compares favourably against any disc we carry, it excels in every area and there isn’t a weak track here - it’s certainly headed towards the top of the ‘Fish Records Essentials’ list. Unmissable.

£13.49