Balls by Elizabeth Cook (CD, May-2007, Thirty One Tigers)

What is it that gives Elizabeth Cook the edge in the nu-country diva stakes? The fact that she actually seems pretty real, has a sense of humour as much as a soulful disposition. Her delivery is girly, but sassy girly, behind strong trad song structures that could fall in an alt country or at times even a mainstream category. Cook’s take on Sunday Morning, the Velvet Underground standard, is genius – far from gimmicry, it’s a heartfelt interpretation revealing her rock roots. The record is short (just over thirty minutes) but sweet, the songs peppered with canny, sometimes smartass lyrics and understated playing. The only thing you don’t get on this record is the chance to witness her awesome clog dancing.