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    The Phantom Tollbooth 2002/Beki Hemingway
    Beki Hemingway — Words for Loss for Words cover

    Beki Hemingway

    Words for Loss for Words

    (2002)

    Reviewed by Trish Patterson

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    Label Salt Lady RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2002
    rocksinger-songwriter

    In a world full of darkness, some people are blessed with a soulmate to help them through their journey here on earth, not only to make it more bearable but to make it a glorious journey. One example of that is the husband-wife team of Beki Hemingway and Randy Kerkman who have collaborated their talents once again to release her second full rock album, Words for Loss for Words.

    Produced by John Mark Painter and Byran Mitchell, this CD demonstrates how Hemingway continues to grow as an artist. She and Kerkman composed all of the songs included on this album with the exception of a cover of "Just Remember I Love You," which features former This Train bandmate Mark Robertson on backing vocals. Hemingway's insightful lyrics reveal her faith and hope in God in songs such as "Good Again" and "Floating Away." She talks about the pains, struggles and realities of life in songs such as "Only Thing Worse," "Better Vision," To Spare You," "The Crows of Cashel," and "Siouxanne." One of my favorite songs is "Hope is All I Have":

    We can hope with all our hearts
    Hope never goes away
    And we can try with all our might
    And still not save the day sometimes
    Sometimes hope is all we have.

    And so often, hope really is all we have. But it's that profound hope that keeps us alive and gives us guidance to be able to take the next step in our journey here on earth.

    Those familiar with Hemingway's music through recordings or live performances will readily recognize her beautiful, smooth vocals and Kerkman's guitar work, and those unfamiliar with her sound will be in for a real treat. If you've never seen Hemingway and Kerkman perform live, do yourself a favor and catch them when you can. It's then that the music they make together really comes to life. In the meantime, order a copy of this CD now. You won't be disappointed.

    4.5 tocks

    Other coverage for this album

    The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Brian A. SmithWords for Loss for Words reveals a more polished Beki Hemingway than on previous efforts. There is still the difficulty in trying to categorize her sound -- is she an 80's rock chick or does she fit into the Lilith Fair singer/songwriter mode? The answer is yes. This album ranges from Indigo Girls/Patty Griffin territory ("Better Vision", "Crows of Cashel") to songs that could come straight from…

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