Despite what you think about the Indigo Girls, Stag deserves to be heard as an album from an amazing singer-songwriter who has talent and skills to stand out with her band and stand out on her own.

Album opener "Johnny Rottentail" is a down-home, laid-back old-time-y country-bluegrass dance number, while "Late Bloom" is a slightly caged, but charged pop-rocker. The distortion and noise of "Hey Castrator" is subdued, but the power and beauty of the song still intertwine nicely together. Yet, let's not forget "Mtns of Glory," a guitar-driven rocker all the way.

Amy Ray has opened a few more doors. Indigo Girl fans will love this; so will fans of roots-y, punk-y, noisy Americana rock. The album has heart, soul, and enough diversity combined with focus to really grab you. So, give it a chance. I'll give it a B+.

Amy Annelle: School of Secret Dangers

Amy Rigby: 18 Again

[Issue Thirty-Seven // March-April-May 2001]