In 2004 I was lucky enough to see both Martha and Rufus Wainwright perform live. It was a special night in Liverpool and took place on the eve of the USA presidential election when it became clear who the Wainwrights wanted to win (and it wasn’t George W). Just prior to the event I had been blown away by Martha Wainwright’s stunning EP, Mother Fucking Arsehole, my recording highlight of 2004 (could not be included in our albums of the year list as it was a four tracker). As a result her debut album was my most anticipated of 2005. Well, it’s arrived and I’m happy to report that it is a remarkable recording by the most original singer/songwriter to appear in recent years.

Martha Wainwright is no spring chicken in musical terms. She has remained in the shadows of her illustrious brother and parents for many years while performing with them from childhood. The fact that she has managed to finally break away, with a style that is so radically different is a remarkable feat in itself. The album contains several references to this departure and hard-fought musical independence. But there is also no doubt that her musical heritage has also armed her with the skills and experience to carve a brilliant future.

The album opens with Far Away and for a moment I thought I was going to hear a cover of a Carpenters song. It didn’t take long to realise that this was vintage Martha with a song that is stunning in its building epic scale and unique sound. Immediately one is struck by the performer’s deeply expressive voice and the way it manoeuvres itself around every nuance and lyric. It’s nothing short of extraordinary and the song is a brave, victorious start to the album. G.P.T. is next up and it’s a more aggressive, expansive song and sung in a mocking vocal style. Then perhaps the most ‘conventional’ song on the album in Factory and one that illustrates Martha’s lyrical virtuosity: “These are not my people, I should never have come here. The chick and the dick and the gift of the gab. I know the place, I’ve seen the face…” It’s a simple and effective song and I believe has been selected for single release.

Then yet another fabulous album highlight. These Flowers is a song of such power and conviction that one has to replay it several times to confirm its existence. The instrumental arrangement is stunning while vocally it is an emotional tour de force. Lyrically it resonates like few songs I’ve ever heard: “And the boys they run faster. And they throw harder and grow up stronger. And they are gone, they are gone, they are gone. I wanna be like that.” Then before one has to a chance to catch breath the barn-storming Ball And Chain creeps in with its threatening guitar intro, before exploding angrily with lyrics like, “Yeah her tits were higher than mine. With a waist that is sugar-fine. I heard she can read & write too. And she’s getting a degree in fucking you.” You have to hear this track to believe it…

Martha empties herself into this album. But this pent-up emotion is supremely involving through great melodies, a masterful vocal performance, and song writing of rare quality. Make no mistake, barring some music miracle this will be our album of 2005, and as I listen to it for the umpteenth time I remain in awe of it, and its creator. If you only buy one album this year, please make it this one. An inspiring and exceptional piece of work.

5/5