Kristin Hersh is the legendary front woman of Throwing Muses and 50FOOTWAVE. However, we think it is her accidental solo career where she really shines. Focusing on her subtle song writing and wryly melancholic lyrics, the work is universal and pretty wonderful. Her latest album, Wyatt at the Coyote Palace, was recently released
The co-founder of Throwing Muses and frontwoman of 50FOOTWAVE, with eight solo albums already to her name too, seems endlessly, tirelessly inventive, whether she s in rock bands or playing every instrument in the studio. So it s no small statement that this ninth release, Wyatt at the Coyote Palace, has the feeling of a masterpiece.
Kristin Hersh is one of music’s best lyricists. She writes incredibly vulnerable, personal songs, but with a pen borne by elusiveness and enigma. Her lyrics are full of allusion, metaphor, and highly specific references to her own life that may escape the listener (her records now come with books of essays and anecdotes, which helps), but above all, they are beautiful poetry. Hersh’s voice has always been gruff and raspy, and is perhaps more so now, and her guitar playing is intricate and fascinating.
She’s been at it since the ’80s, and her songwriting has only gotten sharper and more intriguing as time has gone on.
Songwriter, guitarist and singer, Kristin Hersh has released over 20 records solo, with Throwing Muses and 50FOOTWAVE. She’s also the author of an acclaimed memoir — based on her teenage diary — about a particularly eventful year, titled “Rat Girl” in the USA (published by Penguin), and titled “Paradoxical Undressing” in the UK
The Fat Angel Sings 