Singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry actually eclipsed The Beatles when she emerged with her smash “Ode to Billie Joe” in 1967. Her follow-up, a country rock opera The Delta Sweete, fell into relative obscurity, until now. NY cult alt-rockers Mercury Rev noticed parallels in their late ‘90s output with Gentry’s work. Hence, they were inspired to pay tribute to, and unearth, this long lost classic, recruit- ing some of the best female vocalists around, including Lucinda Williams, Beth Orton, Norah Jones, Margo Price, Hope Sandoval and many others. A hypnotic, soulful and surreal experience.
Rating: 8/10
Partisan Records
Producers: Jonathan Donahue, Grasshopper and Jesse Chandler
