Beth Boucher-Mess You Up (2002)

I'm writing this review three days after this CD was released. I first heard Beth Boucher (say "boo-shay") last Fall at the House of Blues in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I was just amazed at her ability to blend great rockin' music with briliant lyrics. I could not believe she did not have a CD for sale, but was pleased to learn that one was on the way in January. Now that I've got it, I am not disappointed.
Songs about relationships are a perennial favorite of mine, and Beth manages to convey both the comedy and the angst while keeping True Love clearly in sight. Interestingly, she often hits the mark by beating around the bush, creating an aura of loss or longing with a brief description of a moment or of a few fleeting thoughts.
Musically, the songs run the gamut from bouncy rockers to smooth ballads, in the best female folk-rock tradition. Beth's voice is great, reminiscent (to me at least) of Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles, but with a more smokey flavor (that is, smoother, not like she's a heavy smoker!).
So, if you're in the Boston (or NY) area, seek Beth out and see her while she's still playing the local clubs. And definitely buy this great debut CD wherever you happen to be! (Amazon Review)