New Shoes

Album Review

Inspired by events in her own life, Meghan Cary's debut solo EP, New Shoes, is an extremely personal folk-rock effort. The singer/songwriter dedicated this 1998 release to guitarist Matthew Black, who she was planning to marry when, in 1995, heart failure claimed his young life. Poignant songs like "Old Man Winter" and the title track were written in Black's memory and, not surprisingly, parts of the EP deal with feelings of sadness and loss. But overall, New Shoes isn't depressing, maudlin, or morbid — if anything, it's inspiring because Cary indicates that she is finding the courage and strength to carry on despite losing the love of her life. Cary expresses her sadness and heartbreak but gives the impression that she isn't defeated; New Shoes deals with pain and loss, but it's also about moving forward in spite of those things. While New Shoes is full of moving lyrics, one could appreciate the EP even if he/she didn't speak a word of English. That's because New Shoes is as solid musically and vocally as it is lyrically; an expressive vocalist, Cary fares well with a style of folk-rock that is indebted to 10,000 Maniacs and the Indigo Girls. One hears a lot of Natalie Merchant in Cary's phrasing, and yet Cary is definitely her own person. Although 10,000 Maniacs and the Indigo Girls are major influences, Cary doesn't go out of her way to emulate them. This is, without question, a promising debut.