download this

Last update: March 1, 2008 - 5:20 PM

Dolly Parton's outsized personality often gets in the way of her art. That's clearly the case on "Backwoods Barbie," her return to commercial country. Too many songs depend on cute, self-referential comments. And her fluttery twang has always been an acquired taste. But if you ignore the trappings and listen carefully, you can appreciate what a first-rate songwriter she is. The best number here is "The Lonesomes," a bluesy-jazzy piano ditty about a woman who is more lonesome tonight than that old Hank Williams song. This tune may not be a country hit for Dolly, but some jazz singer -- Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson or even Norah Jones -- could turn this into a standard.

JON BREAM

Recent Music stories

Music: Here comes the son - March 1, 2008

Music: Here comes the son - Beatles scion Dhani Harrison has his own band, as well as a big hand in "Beatles: Rock Band." More

Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments

Share photos and videos now

The North Star Supernovas take on Hammer City Roller Girls in a WFTDA sanctioned scrimmage at Skateville in Burnsville. Here, Naughty Kitty lays a block on Coma

See thousands of photos from other StarTribune.com readers and share your own photos and video today.