Jolie Holland

Holland definitely has the three Ds of southern folk down cold: death, depression and despair. The Living And The Dead, her fourth full-length, is chock full of junkies, funerals, crawling to your car to sleep and a multitude of regrets. And what evokes a more sordid mental image (thanks to American filmmaking) than tales of crossing the border into Mexico in the dead of night? While these contents may make The Living And The Dead sound like the equivalent of stabbing yourself in the hand with a fork, Holland's capable voice keeps matters well above dismal. Her prowess is especially evident on mid-album standout, "Your Big Hands," (her official stab at rock 'n' roll) where she gives in and sings about love without a hint of irony. On top of her songwriting skills, the Texas-bred gal has an adorable southern drawl that appears only at select moments and leaves you wanting more.