polydaidaloi.com

Australia has had a lesson in why democracy is the least worst of political systems. The Triple-J Hottest 100 of All Time has been found to be curiously short of women artists. The Hoydens have a great collection of links discussing the controversy as they do themselves and LP has its own battle raging.

The criticism of Triple-J is warranted. There is a sense of betrayal as many of us feasted on Triple-J in our 20s and early 30s. They seemed hip and above the usual sexual politics of the industry. But Triple-J is mainstream now (no matter how hip they think they are) and I don’t care what the mainstream thinks. It doesn’t cater for my tastes and I’m not interested in my favourite musicians being validated by a poll.

If you are upset folks then leave Triple-J behind. The wonders of the internet will allow you to discover many more artists than commercial radio will allow.

And in that spirit, instead of arguing about what shoulda been, let’s talk about some fine women musicians. And one bloke.

The bloke is Dave Alvin, one of the United States’ finest roots artists. His new album features some of the United States finest musicians as his band. And they just all happen to be women. Cindy Cashdollar, Nina Gerber, Laurie Lewis, Christy McWilson, Sarah Brown, Amy Farris and Lisa Pankratz.

Don’t be concerned that the women are seemingly in a support role. Their contributions to this fine album of country, blues and rock’n'roll are not secondary to Alvin’s vocals and songs. They compliment Alvin and are equal in every way on this very fine album.

Indeed, what I love is how the musicians support each other. They all get a chance to shine but the solos are seemless parts of the song. Not egotistical intrusions which can happen on projects like this. Nina Gerber’s guitar playing is a sublime lesson in how to play for the song. A lesson I wish I could have learned 20 years ago. And Christy McWilson’s vocals add so much to the album. The contrast and harmonies between her voice and Alvin’s on Don’t Make Promises makes the song.

Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women is a superb album of Americana. You can hear selections of the album here. Of course you won’t hear it Triple-J but who gives a fuck about them? Your music doesn’t need approval from commercial radio.

Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women – Live at SxSW