Artists: Indigo Girls

Album: Despite Our Differences

Label: Hollywood Records

The irony that a simple honest record such as Despite Our Differences would release itself through a label garnishing the title Hollywood Records is as exquisite as the record itself.  No insult intended here, especially at this label, as there are great tastes within their halls (there is obviously some humor as well).  I’m just poking a bit of fun before jumping into the deep stuff.  The very deepness of this record is that which inspires.  The Indigo Girls have made true art with this album.  Hauntingly nostalgic for the days when music was created out of artistic necessity and not for direct marketing to ring tone companies, these women have gone back to their raw, expressive and not giving a flying F$CK days while recording Despite.  We get it all: Their tangled love lives, political weaving, and plain soul searching groovery.  “Dirt and Dead Ends is the emotional pinnacle of the record.   The disparity of a relationship (dirty minds stop here, we talkin’ bout a friend) is painted with gorgeous and well crafted melodic melancholy.  The usual tale of drugs and the inevitable fall will undoubtedly sing to many.   The catchy hooks of the politically charged Pendulum Swinger can catch you singing along in your car.  The guitar melodies are emotive sun blasts, and their playing has only grown tighter with age.  Being a consistently good listen from beginning to end puts Despite Our Differences up there with such formative albums as Swamp Ophelia and Nomads, Indians, Saints.  Need to get out of town with your lover?  Rent a nice ride, buy this record and put the top down.