Nov. 19, 2002

Beth Wood — Ghostwriter

by Jennifer Layton

Artist: Beth Wood
CD: Ghostwriter
Home: Arlington, TX
Style: Folk/Rock
Quote: "A restless spirit like hers will not give in to despair."

Beth Wood can sing about attraction in a way that will make your toes curl and grip the carpet. This folk/rock artist kicks in the door on her fourth CD, Ghostwriter, with a deliberately pounding rock beat called "Holiday," describing the sensual grip that a wall of a man has on her. A rugged, dangerous man.

"I love to watch you exit the scene
You'll come back smelling of horses, sweat and gasoline..."

Later, in "Mouth on Me," she layers funk over folk with a tone of demanding sensuality.

"I dare you to put your money where your mouth is
If you tell me ain't got no money,
that don't matter honey
Just put your mouth on me..."

Lord have mercy. The funny thing is, all this is sung in a sweet, dreamy vocal. Yes, there's a playfulness and a free-spirited nature behind those words, but there's a peaceful country soul in the sound of her voice. She's a poet. Musically stargazing in "Earthbound," struggling for redemption in "Poison Arrow," following the branches of her family tree in the title track. Wood is a down-home, old-fashioned girl with a wicked streak in her.

What I like most is her optimism, even in the sad songs. "All The Way From Here" is a song of loss that clings to hope. She's keeping someone alive in her heart. And even though she's reliving the pain of the bad news and the funeral, the music is up tempo. A restless spirit like hers will not give in to despair. This is a beautiful collection of songs that exposes the soul, even its dark side, and still lifts the heart.