MercuryRev TheDeltaSweeteRevisited 2cab4

Mercury Rev’s ‘The Delta Sweete Revisited’ Is A Timely Reimagining of Bobbie Gentry’s Masterwork

by BUST Magazine

 

MERCURY REV
The Delta Sweete Revisited
(Partisan Records/BellaUnion)

In 1967, Bobbie Gentry released her epic “Ode To Billy Joe,” and quickly became a star. Gentry’s follow-up album, 1968’s The Delta Sweete, was a sophisticated, swampy, country-rock opera about life in the Deep South. Now, 50 years later, indie band Mercury Rev and an all-star cast of musicians has resurrected the often-overlooked collection. There are several standout vocal performances here, including Hope Sandoval’s “Big Boss Man,” Lætitia Sadier’s “Mornin’ Glory,” Marissa Nadler’s “Refractions,” Norah Jones’ “Okolona River Bottom Band,” Margo Price’s “Sermon,” and Beth Orton’s “Courtyard.” A bonus track features Lucinda Williams on Gentry’s aforementioned first hit. This is a great reimagining of a legendary artist’s forgotten masterwork. (4/5)

By Michael Levine

 

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2019 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!

 

 

 

More from BUST

Priests Sacrifice Their Punk Past On “The Seduction Of Kansas”

Weyes Blood’s New Album “Titanic Rising” Is A Dreamy Delight

The Wild Reeds Bring Us A Little Sunshine With “Cheers”

 

You may also like

Get the print magazine.

The best of BUST in your inbox!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

About Us

Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

©2023 Street Media LLC.  All Right Reserved.