From Nashville head west on 40 to 30, still headed west, and take that to South 635. Off that you'll want to go west some more on 20 then south again on 35. That should pretty much getcha there, there being Austin, Texas. It would come as no surprise to me if Tift Merritt has traveled this route many times. Her sound balances dressed-up Tennessee swing and a dressed-down western beat-n-shuffle with a voice and heart big enough for both.
Her lyrics are smart, at times vulnerable and other times resolved, but seldom sappy. Her voice bears the charm and confidence of someone aware of her talent but sure she'd be singing even if it came out like goose farts. Hints of Carolina twang sweeten her sound while a little Texas road gravel gives it an appealing worn-in feel. Songs blend traditional country motifs with a strong, consciously female perspective. There is a hint of The Populist in big-but-not-too-big production, alluding to greater ambitions - like maybe a Grammy? She'll have to beat "Van Leer Rose", and I don't think she will, but her kind of talent doesn't go unnoticed for long and since this is only her second album I expect we'll hear more good things from Ms. Merritt.
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