Kelly Willis

Translated From Love (Rykodisc)

Since 2002’s Easy, Kelly Willis has discovered unconditional love. The honeyed twang of the Austin songbird remains a hallmark on Translated, but the songs are forged with a more mature fire and relaxed tone. “Nobody Wants to Go to the Moon Anymore” sets the gamboling pace atop a cosmic steel guitar, while the unlikely cover of Iggy Pop’s “Success” holds up well as a honky-tonk anthem backed by the Gourds, Willis laughing through the verses. The equally improbable take on “Teddy Boys” from former Moldy Peach Adam Green fairs far less successfully, as does the more pop-country “The More That I’m Around You.” Yet assuaged by softer statements of longing and love in the title track and “Too Much to Lose,” the latter harmonized with husband Bruce Robinson, Translated From Love needs few subtitles getting its message across.

***

This article appears in July 6 • 2007.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.