Thalia Zedek Band - Liars and Prayers

What a great way to kick off the week by being able to post about the new record from Thalia Zedek, which is due out tomorrow through Thrill Jockey records. The new album, Liars and Prayers, isn’t necessarily a solo record, rather it is Zedek expanding upon her usual touring band of Daniel Coughlin and David Curry to include the new but familiar additions of Winston Braman (Fuzzy and Sherperdess) and Mel Lederman (Victory at Sea) to form the Thalia Zedek Band.

On Liars and Prayers we see Zedek take a slight step back into the bluesy guitar rock of her previous band Come, which to me was one of the most brilliant yet underrated bands of the early to mid nineties. However, all the nuanced arrangements that were an important factor on her solo records are again part of the idea here as well creating an interesting balance between the power found in the work of Come and the gut wrenching beauty of her solo work. While I’d say the record stays more in accordance to her more recent output, it’s yet another example as to why Zedek should be considered one of the top singer/songwriters of the past couple decades.

Fans of Zedek’s past work shouldn’t be disappointed with the results on Liars and Prayers. The subject matter may have shifted to a more political focus; however the down and out beauty of her songwriting and singing is in full swing and as effective as ever.

Thalia Zedek Band – Lower Allston [MP3]

For anyone interested in picking up Liars and Prayers, head on over to Thrill Jockey to order it. The vinyl version also comes with high quality MP3’s at no extra charge. It’s a solid album so definitely buy this one when it comes out tomorrow. Enjoy!