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Mercy Now
Mary Gauthier
Retail Price (not our price): $13.98
Release Date: 2005-02-15
Manufacturer: Lost Highway
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1

Track List
Now here, for your listening pleasure, the tracks...

Disc 1

Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com
A spark of redemption illuminates even the darker songs on Mercy Now, the fourth album by Mary Gauthier (pronounced "go-shay"). The influence of her native Louisiana pervades her Southern Gothic songcraft, which first won an audience in the folk clubs of Boston. After a series of releases on independent labels, her Lost Highway debut seems destined to expand that audience significantly. Within her mature, weather-beaten artistry, Dylanesque metaphysics go to Mardi Gras on "Wheel Inside the Wheel"; the naked emotion and eye for detail of "Your Sister Cried" and "Empty Spaces" conjure comparisons with Lucinda Williams; and the plainspoken "I Drink" and "Drop in a Bucket" have the bittersweet bite of the best of John Prine. The spare arrangements of producer/guitarist Gurf Morlix, punctuated by cello, organ, and harmonica, give the material plenty of room to breathe. Gauthier's vocals are half-spoken, half-sung, and all soul. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5

1) Critiquing the critics   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
February 22, 2008 Clotblaster complains Mary Gauthier's lyrics cannot be classified as poetry. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines poetry as a "writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm." By that definition or any other, Gauthier's songs unquestionably qualify as poetry. Beyond that, whether one enjoys her poetry is simply a matter of personal taste. Clotblaster obviously does not, but based upon the other reviews posted this is decidedly a minority view. Mary's many admirers include those responsible for her invitation to the Newport Folk Festival, and such notable singer-songwriters as John Prine and Guy Clark, for whom she has opened, as well as Bob Dylan and many others. I realize Mary's music is not going to be universally admired -- what music is? But I love it -- it hits my musical G spot -- that "specific emotional response" the poet seeks to touch. As for criticism of Mary's twang, this gal grew up in Louisiana. If you haven't noticed, folks down there talk that way -- naturally. To "A Kid's Review", if you've got a cat that can sing like Mary, I suggest you get an agent. You and that cat can make some real money.

2) Intense Real song writing   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
As a struggling songwriter myself,I find it very refreshing that an album by Mary Gauthier[Mercy Now] found its way into main stream America. Its really good to know that good music with great real lyrics are still here too stay. Im a new Fan. Thanks Mary. Truly Morris Cardenas

3) Entrancing   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I could not agree less with 'clotblaster' on the subject of lyrics and what constitutes poetry. Whilst not in the same class, yet, as Dylan, Mary Gauthier to me writes poetry (or does clotblaster not regard Dylan as a poet). She gets to the real core of the human condition and surrounds herself with amazing musicians (particularly Gurf Morlix) who create the perfect ambience for her darkness. If it was all dark I believe it would soon become more difficult to listen to, especially a whole album at a time, but there always appears to be a light at the end and some of these songs even become uplifting. 'Falling out of love', 'Mercy Now' and 'Your sister cried' are spectacular. I'm new to Mary Gauthier - she was recommended by a friend whose opinion I value highly, and he was not wrong in this case. I shall be seeking out more.

4) Pretentious, Posturing Songs and Singing   [Rating: 1 out of 5]
I bought this c.d. based on reviews in Amazon. I am very disappointed by the c.d., but not at all surprised by how truly mediocre it is. The songs are self-absorbed and do not in any way transcend their pretentious pessism and self-pity. I dislike the twangy voice, which she could discard and greatly improve her singing, if not her songs. That so many people really dig this singer is a very, very sad commentary on the listeners ability to discriminate between genuine worth and bogus pretensions. Comparing her to John Prine is disgraceful--he has written his share of poor songs, but he has also written quite a few good to excellent ones. By the way, too many people get turned on by what they consider to be poetry in songs. Please... Lyrics are not poetry, and calling them poetic degrades poetry as well as songs. If you want poetic, read poetry. Also, if you want a first-class c.d. buy (or steal) Mindy Smith's Long Island Shores.

5) Amazing   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Exactly what I wanted to say has already been said: "I have to give Bob Dylan and his XM Satellite Radio show a big Thank You for leading me to Mary Gauthier. On Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour which focused on booze, he played "I Drink" from Mercy Now. I was sold. There's not much more to say than has already been said. Great songs, great voice, great CD."All I will add is she must be amazing in a live performance!!