MICHELLE SHOCKED -- Kind Hearted Woman (Private Music)

Kind Hearted Woman is the first commercial release from Michelle Shocked in four years. This CD finds her back in 'blues singer' mode--a welcome return after the bluegrass sound of her last effort. Most of the songs feature bare-bones accompaniments, at times only Shocked and her Stratocaster. The best tracks are "Homestead," and "No Sign of Rain." Kind Hearted Woman isn't as good as her earlier albums, but there are at least a few songs worth a listen.