EXENE CERVENKA ‘THE EXCITEMENT OF MAYBE’ (Bloodshot Records)
Exene Cervenka is always expressing herself in various artistic forms. She’s a published poet, collage artist, painter and of course what she’s most know for, making music and wring lyrics. This being first and foremost with X, the seminal L.A. Punk band (which she is a founding member of), as well as Alt Country group The Knitters, her other punk band Auntie Christ, another Folk/Alt Country group The Original Sinners and Exene’s solo projects like her fourth and new one The Excitement of Maybe (Bloodshot Records) which is out March 8th.
Following up 2009’s Somewhere Gone (see BUST Issue #59 Oct/Nov ’09), The Excitement of Maybe continues Exene’s mix of folk, real country, pop and rock forming her own unique musical blend. Which is evident on the album’s opening tracks ‘Already In Love’ and ‘Brand New Memory’ with their rollicking acoustic rhythms. Exene’s poetic genius is always at her finger tips but stands out especially on tracks like the melancholic ballad ‘Alone In Arizona’, where she confesses ‘My heart’s in California, I’m alone In Arizona.’ and ‘Someday I’ll Forget’ , ‘You in my Armageddon arms, early in the morning…’. ‘Half Past Forever’ is a definite country pop gem complete with lush sounding string arrangements. Old pal and Blasters/Knitters guitarist, Dave Alvin, lends some help to the rockin’ ‘I’ll Admit It Now’, where Exene’s atonal harmonies exclaim, ‘I loved you yesterday. I’ll admit it now!’ over a popping horn section and Alvin’s red hot guitar action. Along with Exene’s own guitar work, there are contributions from, Jazz bassist Chritain McBride and fellow Bloodshot recording artist, Maggie Bjorklund’s background vocals on board.
Despite her present issues with MS, Exene will tour in support of The Excitement of Maybe this Spring and should not be missed. After being a nonconformist and staunch feminist for over 30 years it’s very inspiring to hear Ms. Cerevenka, is still on her game. No matter what is happening to her or around her, Exene always reflects it back, with wisdom, warmth, and a dead on wit. Maybe now ‘The Unheard Music’ will finally be heard. (Michael Levine)
