A complete change from the blues and rock I've bought recently, need this some times to really appreciate other genres.
With a Folk & Country sound this album tells her early life story.
Described by an Amazon reviewer; (click album cover)
Mary is definitely an acquired taste - a 100% cult artist. But that doesn't mean that her music isn't accessable. This album is superb. It's a twelve track song cycle that tells the story of an abandoned child's journey through life. The subject matter is quite bleak and sad at times but somehow the whole feel of the album is positive and uplifting. Mary's voice has never sounded better and the sparse acoustic backing is spot on. It may take a few plays to latch on to what "The Foundling" is all about but its worth it. A masterpiece!
Must agree with most of this review, 2nd listen now and liking it a lot, knowing the concept of this album helps it all come together.
Don't get the reviewer's idea of "uplifting" this is depressing record, songs & lyrics are excellent though! Uplifting as any Leonard Cohen song!
My second album of Mary's, have Mercy Now from 2004, another good album with great tunes & words.