Review: Victoria Nugent
I was a little disappointed when I discovered Marianne Faithfull’s latest album Horses and High Heels consisted mainly of covers. The folk singer better known as a former lover of Mick Jagger during the heyday of the Rolling Stones has over thirty years of singing experience, and I was rather hoping to hear a full body of original songs rather than the mere four present on her 23rd solo album.

Nevertheless Faithfull has gathered a stellar group of supporting artists such as Lou Reed and Dr John to flesh out the album, turning her hand to songs from across a wide range of genres and styles. Produced again by Hal Willner and recorded in the New Orleans French Quarter, the album makes use of New Orleans musicians in the band.

The album kicks off with a cover of The Gutter Twins’ “The Stations” and it is evident from the very first note, that a long career has taken a toll on Marianne’s voice, giving it a more ravaged quality as she intones thickly atmospheric lyrics imbuing the songs with a sense of mystery.

Next up is “Why Did We Have to Part”, a mournful break-up song written by Faithfull with Laurent Voulzy. The lyrics are straightforward in this tell-it-like-is tune with Faithfull’s honest tones making it a strong song, staying far away from tearjerker territory. This is a break-up song full of resignation in a way, an unusual thing in the music world.

Faithfull’s cover of Jackie Lomax’s “No Reason” is full of swagger and bounce while the rendition of “Gee Baby” is a bouncy and charming interpretation of the Joe and Ann song.

“Prussian Blue” truly showcases Faithfull’s songwriting talent as the most memorable and charming song on the album.

“Love Song” is a dour lament, with acoustic guitar and plaintive vocals before segueing into a gypsy-esque instrumental mix.

Faithfull is perfectly on task for the Carole King classic “Goin’ Back”, doing justice and much more to the song. With her rich, emotive vocals, Faithfull really brings the song alive.

In The Shangri-Las “Past, Present and Future”, strings, harp, piano and woodwind make an unusual background for Faithfull’s eerie spoken-style vocals. Whilst not the sort of cover that makes you tap your toes or want to sing along, Faithfull’s rendition makes you sit up and take notice.

Title track “Horses and High Heels” is another of Faithfull’s originals and is a strong number, with a catchy chorus. Once again, Faithfull’s smoky voice is full of character, perfect for the story telling lyrics. The backing music for the song is strong with plenty of electric guitar and drums, adding drama to the track.

“Eternity” is another standout track, complete with a tinge of Arabia in the form of a sampling recorded in Morocco by Brian Jones in 1968.

This bluesy, soul and rock infused album is rather sombre in places, with some rather interesting song interpretations thrown in. The album sticks to lower keys than her previous offerings, and is perhaps a little less inspiring. Overall however, this is the mark of a truly great songstress who still has plenty to offer.

01. The Stations
02. Why did we have to part
03. That’s how every empire falls
04. No reason
05. Prussian blue
06. Love song
07. Gee baby
08. Going back
09. Past present future
10. Horses and high heels
11. Back in baby’s arms
12. Eternity
13. The old house

Visit http://www.mariannefaithfull.org.uk – Marianne Faithfull Website

Review: Victoria Nugent