Amy Lavere – This World Is Not My Home

Amy LaVere portrayed Wanda Jackson in the film Walk The Line, but on her alluring debut disc, she comes across more like a demure roots chanteuse than a rockabilly wildcat. The Memphis-based performer establishes her albums blue mood immediately on the opening Day Like Any. Supported by Jimbo Mathus sinewy guitar work, this torchy tune examines a relationship gone wrong, a topic she revisits throughout this ten-song outing. While the lyrics concentrate on romantic woes, the music holds an endearing retro Americana quality as LaVere gracefully mixes the sounds of the backwoods (the mountain-bluesy Nightingale) with smoky juke joints (the accordion-paced Take Em Or Leave Em). Although LaVeres whispery vocals occasionally grow a little wispy, tunes such as Never Been Sadder (which also spotlights her nimble standup bass prowess) and the country waltz title track showcase her sweetly vulnerable voice to greater effect.