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It's VERY rare for a critic to get an unassuming LOOKING CD with weirdly fonted lyrics in the notes by an artist one doesn't know from Adam...and then find themselves a quick 12 songs later wishing they had FIFTY stars to give out instead of five!

"Marie Wilson" is an Australian Singer/Songwriter, and now GODDESS in my book, whose earthy, perfectly constructed, AMAZING music can only be described by pointing out flaws in other female artists of this ilk I love. She is Melissa Etheridge's glorious lyrics and thrilling delivery without so much beat-you-over-the-head-lesbian chic. She is Sheryl Crow with no heroin-chic whining. She is Suzanne Vega with no attempt at annoying social comments. She is the Indigo Girls without ANY of the above. And ladies, I DO love all of you despite these comments, but step aside. There's a new girl on the block, and she's friggin' BUYING the block.

From the thrilling SCREW YOU-ness of "Next Time," to the pensive but not whiny or overemotional "Free," to the jump up and down in glory chorus of "Making It Up As I Go Along," this lady sounds like she's someone who has channeled the pop-rock-alt-folk whatever (more on her unidentifiable genre in a moment) version of MOZART to really make an album that's downright PERFECT. Not one note out of place, not one misplaced or cliched lyric, not ANYTHING remotely sounding like it's not SUPPOSED to be right where it is - hook, line and sinker, lock, stock and barrel. When an album is so just downright stunning that you feel like bursting in to tears on the HAPPY songs from the sheer rush of its power, then more gushing adjectives soon turn old. So just Buy it. Buy 10 copies. Give them to your friends. Send her fan mail. Buy more copies. Just DO SOMETHING. Because here, with more than 1/4 of 1999 left, this CD is now ETCHED IN BLOOD as one of the top 3 of year. If not THE top.

Instead of gushing more about the bone chilling vocals of "Rescue Me," and the simple but resonating ache of "Even When I'm Sleeping," I will say again, just buy the damn CD. PLEASE. And go on to my concern. I am very very worried this lady is not going to get the superstardom she deserves for this album because, well, after being a musician myself and music analyzer of ALL styles from nearly my first childhood memory on, I have no earthly idea what to call her style - meaning I am so scared it will get played NOWHERE. It's not grungy enough for Alt. Country (Despite the producer of this colossal disc being Joe Hardy, producer of Alt. Country god Steve Earle). It's not poppy-manufactured enough for top 40. It's not weird enough for college rock. It's too hard for Adult contemporary. Oh, who gives a damn! I don't care WHO will be too shortsighted to play it wherever, just go buy it. Now. Go. Now. What are you waiting for?