SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TRACY BONHAM – LIFT

TRACY BONHAM
LIFT
AMERICAN LAUNDROMAT RECORDS

Tracy Bonham released her debut album, The Burdens of Being Uprigh,t 30 years ago. To celebrate this milestone, she has revisited the album, reimagined it, re-recorded the songs, rearranged the track order and added three new songs. The album is now titled Lift and it is a fascinating exercise for an artist to revisit something she recorded when she was 30 years younger. The songs, today, take on a different meaning and view from when she was in her 20s. While the explosive anger from the original album is tapered somewhat, the feeling is still there. While this is still very personal to Bonham, now she is not only singing strictly about herself but for others as well.

Producer Ken Rich and Bonham have deconstructed the original album and put it back together in a truly original and unique way. The classic alt-rock album still stands up, but Lift is something different, an extension maybe. But really, Lift is a whole new album. The different sequencing is a smart move as it allows Bonham a chance to get her own story across. The additional three tracks are a welcome addition, and the new version of the classic “Mother Mother” is startling and beautiful in its own way. To these ears, it is better than the original.

The album kicks off with an incredible version of “The One.” Here, rather than bursting out the song, she lets it build, violins open the song rather than a buzzsaw guitar. The emotion has not changed but the delivery has. Don’t be fooled, Bonham still has that guitar sound (“I’m Not A Waif”) but she incorporates a variety of instruments throughout (the fiddle on “50 Foot Queenie” or the beautiful piano on “Kisses”). Neither would have fit on the original album but have a nice home here.

This is not so much a reimagining as it is a re-evaluation. Over the years one changes, you become parents, homeowners, health issues, loss, joy, and so much more inform the person on is as one ages. Here, Bonham is recognizing that she and her album, The Burdens of Being Upright, have aged. However, Bonham has a lot to say and offer. Lift is a remarkable and brave album. Here, Bonham faces her past, and rather than remix it, she alters it to make it present. That is quite an accomplishment. As such, Lift is as important as The Burdens of Being Upright. With Lift, Bonham has created a whole new work from a classic and it is brilliant.

Artist Links