Ripley Caine

Lover (Sweet Pickle)

By Anne C. Johnson
Published: March 24th, 2003 | 12:19pm

Fans of the genus "female singer/songwriter" will find much to like about Chicago-based Ripley Caine. Her Lover presents themes typical of the genre but her delivery has a sense of humor and thoughtfulness that transcends that musical category's maudlin tendency. Not to mention, she has the sort of voice for which protest songs were written.

Lover begins with the very affecting "Hey Mister," a lovely yet sad song that highlights Ripley Caine's remarkably commanding voice over sorrowful slide guitars. What is sometimes typical of a piece of work with a terrific opening track is that other songs can be outshined by comparison; however, the sheer power and versatility of Caine's voice are almost enough to keep the listener engaged. And, there are good songs that follow, for example, "Labor Day," a revealing song that ponders a woman's tendency to doubt herself ("This is my theory anyway / I don't know if I am right"), "Bent Over Forward," which features the softer registers of Ms. Caine's voice, and "The Mouse and the Cat," which ponders the sadistic side of relationships.

The issue of fate is repeatedly deliberated on Lover as evidenced in several of the songs, including "Star" and "Over the Moon." The artist seems to be debating the roles of fate, chance, and/or luck quite seriously at this stage in her life.

Ripley Caine has just as much talent (if not more) as any successful performer in her genre and "Hey Mister" would not be out of place, say, on the soundtrack for the next Bridget Jones movie. Soundtrack compilers, take note!