Burden contains "Maybe I'm Amazed," previously released on the 1997 European EP of the same name; the other songs are new. And with a couple of exceptions, including a Van Morrison gem, they're typically tight Anderson compositions. I can't imagine why this wasn't released in the United States. Her first album is still available and selling.

This one is fine. Carleen has a distinctive, powerful voice that's hard to ignore, unless you're a sleazy American music executive. There are some resemblances to true spirit, but she breaks lots of new ground and once, again, it's an eminently listenable album. Easy to listen to, but never easy listening. The musicianship is first class. The recording is tip top. There are several adventurous experiments in the arrangements, which work.

The lyrics are always worthwhile, never cliched. She seems forgiving. In "Redemption," she actually finds a man who gives his "gender a good name." Perhaps because, as she points out in "leopards in the temple:"
Intimate betrayal
Back stabbing loved ones
Blame is so defenceless
Wars could be outdone

I guess I should be glad to own this album. And that it has a bonus cut and a Japanese lyric sheet, in case I ever learn Japanese.  

©2006 gt slade