Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Dirt and the Stars (2020)

[One and a half]

Been a while between recordings, The Dirt and the Stars certainly makes up for the long absence. I'm a keen listener over many years, she's country and then not, on her own really.

 

Mary sings the way it is, close to the bone lyrics of life and people's behaviour, but never condescending or judgmental, but sympathetic and poignant.  'American Stooge' takes a swipe at dills who glean headlines, rather than fact, well done Mary :)

 

On the technical side, use the music to test your system, this is a top recording for 'modern' release. DR 9.4, wide sound stage, precise location of vocals and instruments, drums are a little understated, at times but that's personal preference. Stage height is very good, for my system 50cm above the speaker tweeter level is a nice goal to achieve. Overall there's a nice balance of piano, drums, occasional organ, synth, bass, lead, acoustic guitars that spreads across the soundstage. No sibilance! 

 

Releases August 7, 2020. Highly recommended.