My Better Self
Recorded in Woodstock, New York, singer/songwriter Dar Williams’ sixth studio album, *My Better Self*, has more touches of classic rock than one would expect from this lyrically intensive writer. A cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” with additional vocal support from Ani DiFranco, keeps its dreamlike vortex, but transforms the song into a ballad with piano and mellotron. Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” enjoys a fiery guitar solo from ‘80s power-popper Marshall Crenshaw. And “Two Sides of the River” is Williams’ first foray into the blues idiom with the jam band Soulive providing expert backing. Williams the songwriter is still very much in evidence here: “Teen for God” observes young people’s naïve hopes before they hit the identity crisis of young adulthood. “So Close To My Heart” represents her sentimental side. “Empire” reflects the uneasy feelings of these difficult, modern times. Throughout, Williams remains hopeful and is well supported by a cast of musicians, including her road band, who flesh out her ruminations with tastefully applied keyboards and guitars.
Starting from the atypically playful cover photo of Dar Williams sticking out her tongue, stained from the blue jawbreaker in her hand, My Better Self is clearly a big departure for the New England folkie.