Critical Writings -> Academic Journals -> Articles & Reviews

Articles and Reviews: MUSIC

Safe Inside the Day by Baby Dee (Drag City)

Speaking of Tom Waits, his influence will be apparent on this fascinating offering from a 55 year old transgendered chanteuse from Cleveland. It’s the post 1983 avant garde cabaret makeover aspect of Waits that invites comparison, although Baby Dee’s voice is a purer instrument than the old groaner’s, even if utilised in a drunkenly declamatory style. A good buddy of Antony Hegarty’s, this opus was produced by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and Matthew Sweeney, and could well be the left field hit of the year.

First published in Magill, June/July 2008