Been Here and Gone

Thalia Zedek is one of the most important and talented vocalists in American rock. Over her 20+ year career as singer and guitarist with bands like Come, Live Skull, Uzi, and Dangerous Birds, she has brought an unparalleled intensity and emotion to underground music, a talent on par with Nick Cave, Will Oldham, Patti Smith, or Mark Eitzel. She's been deeply influential and fiercely revered by a wide range of audiences and musicians, though never before has she delivered an album so multi-layered or fully realized.

When Come took an indefinite leave 1999, Thalia was asked to do some solo shows in Boston, for which she opted for stripped-down instrumentation --- generally just herself, with piano or guitar accompaniment, sometimes with additional guitar or cellist. She funneled that work into 'Been Here and Gone, which is, on one hand, a straightforward singer/songwriter record, and on the other hand completely defies categorization; these are tricky, bluesy, deep songs devoid of any 'folkie' vibes, a rock 'n' roll album with viola, piano, and trumpet. Listen to her cover of V;'s '1926,' just voice, guitar, and piano -- it's probably the most moving performance of the year. There are few records this year that will cover as much emotional or musical ground, and no voices this year that pack the punch of Thalia Zedek.