Music Review: Edie Brickell displays her power yet again

Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, 'œHunter and the Dog Star'ť (Thirty Tigers)

The renaissance for Edie Brickell and New Bohemians continues on 'œHunter and the Dog Star,'ť the band's second record in just over two years following a 12-year recording hiatus.

Best known for the breakout Top 10 hit 'œWhat I Am'ť released in 1988, Brickell has spent the 30-plus years since creating a diverse body of music that includes bluegrass records with Steve Martin, a Broadway musical and recently (and luckily) a reconnection with her original bandmates.

There's a chemistry with New Bohemians that never went away and the songs on 'œHunter and the Dog Star'ť are as fresh, buoyant and funny as any the band has ever laid down.

Brickell and New Bohemians' songwriting strength is the effortless way they can tell a story in under five minutes that's instantly relatable, sometimes heartbreaking, and delivered in a variety of musical styles. Each track on 'œHunter and the Dog Star'ť feels like a mini, musical screenplay.

'œSleeve'ť gleefully tells the story of a woman who 'œgot herself one'ť tattoo and 'œnow she got a sleeve.'ť

'œAngels, peace sign, and a heart that says, mom,'ť Brickell sings on the jaunty opening track. 'œOctopus, wizards, ace of spades, yin yang and Tweety Bird.'ť

'œDon't Get in the Bed Dirty'ť is a cautionary tale about falling for empty online romances. 'œHorse's Mouth'ť is a lighthearted ear worm about the pitfalls of believing gossip.

The standout track is 'œRough Beginnings,'ť where Brickell effortlessly tells the tale of Jasmine, 'œa sunny girl living in Abilene/a pretty thing" who overcomes the odds for a successful life.

The whole record builds toward 'œMy Power,'ť which could easily be sung by Jasmine.

'œComing into my own now/I don't feel so alone now now now,'ť Brickell sings triumphantly to close the record. 'œComing back from a fall y'all/It takes all/My Power.'ť

Listeners should be glad that Brickell and New Bohemians are back, showing all of us, once again, their power.