Bonavista

Kim Stockwood has the ability to conjure up images of dusty truck stops and evenings where the air is crisp and the sky is bright. She has a very relaxed demeanor in her presentation that adds to the warmth and comfort of her music ("She's Not in Love"). "I'd Rather Be Lonely Alone" is probably the most surprising song on the album because of the sadness in Stockwood's voice. This is quite a paradox for Stockwood, who in real life always seems to be the embodiment of the class clown. It's a delicate song with lush strings that flow with the ease of an un-dammed stream. At the opposite end of the spectrum, she gets down and dirty with tongue-in-cheek country on "N.A.S.H.V.I.L.L.E.," whose chorus is so catchy that it could easily replace Hank Williams, Jr.'s Monday Night Football theme song. What's interesting about the album is that its biggest hit, "Jerk," was added following the first pressing of the record. It could have easily survived without it due to the strength of the other tracks, but it does add an adult alternative angle to the disc. Stockwood, who showcases her faux Southern drawl on the song, is surrounded by moments of subtlety and instances of brash, distorted chords that leave you humming the melody for days on end. Stockwood's voice is very throaty on "Cry Crazy," which is her ode to late country artist Patsy Cline. Unlike many other artists, Stockwood isn't afraid to blatantly reference her influences. What's even better is that she has the ability to pull it off with class. On "Be Where You Are," the piano dances with the guitars to create the image of a night sky only lit by stars. One of the key ingredients on this album is that the music balances the lyrics very well, which can't be said for a lot of records. One of the brightest moments is the country twang of "Love When You Need Love," which is loaded with the swagger of a ranch hand who's enjoyed one too many at his favorite watering hole. Settle down in a log cabin, strike up a fire, and enjoy the company of relatives and friends while this CD supplies the soundtrack to times well spent.