Saturday 19th October

Never one to shy away from controversy Michelle, now a born-again Christian (the worst type) has added to her career-destroying credentials with an anti-gay rant.  Of course she was misunderstood but no amount of rowing backwards will stop the perception of a crazy woman veering further into obscurity.  Which is a pity, as her songs and singing are beautiful.  One of the best and most original of songwriters, she seems to be able to conjure up the catchiest of melodies time and again.  Singing soul, country, swing and blues she weaves all styles into her songs.

Never conventional she was ‘discovered’ by being taped at a small Texas campfire festival and when that was released her career exploded.  Three brilliant albums in the early nineties, then she split from her record company and is one of the very few artists who releases on her own Mighty Sound label and is completely independent of the industry.   After a few years a truly brilliant album appeared in a limited edition (now unavailable again).   ‘Kind Hearted Woman’ was mostly just Michelle and electric guitar and a keening sad voice telling bitter tales of loss and betrayal, only redeemed by a couple of faster catchy songs at the end of the album.  But on further listening this is her masterpiece.  The songs are haunting and full of emotion and honesty.

Since then her albums have been patchy, with occasional flashes of brilliance, but little quality control.  Her latest ‘Soul of my Soul’ is a return to her earlier brilliance, great catchy melodies and interesting words.  No doubt she will carry on regardless.  Hopefully a few more albums will arrive too, though exactly what they will be no-one but, and even perhaps not even, Michelle knows.  Sing on girl, the world needs more people like you.