Kristin Hersh solo records ranked
It took me a LONG time to come around to this artist - I find myself more drawn to Hersh's solo work than her time in Throwing Muses. Deserves more recognition than some of the artists from the late 80's and 90's alternative scene. |
| 10 |  | Kristin Hersh
Murder, Misery and Then Goodnight
Needs to pick a direction - more stark, or more experimental. As it stands, an album of trad murder ballads is probably not required. |
| 9 |  | Kristin Hersh
Strange Angels
Pretty as a whole, but unremarkable. |
| 8 |  | Kristin Hersh
Learn to Sing Like a Star
I'm not sure if this is an attempt to make a more radio friendly record. It seems to lose that aspect halfway through, while retaining all sorts of additional production flourishes which don't work. |
| 7 |  | Kristin Hersh
Hips and Makers
Some strong songs in the first half, but becomes a bit too samey later on. Something about it is so typically a debut solo record. |
| 6 |  | Kristin Hersh
Possible Dust Clouds
Noisy, angry, chaotic. It's a great late era release. It sounds like the title. |
| 5 |  | Kristin Hersh
Crooked
A simmering, swampy outing. Brings more stomp that would later catch fire in Possible Dust Clouds. Any of the albums from 4 to 6 could be rearranged according to my mood on the day. |
| 4 |  | Kristin Hersh
Sky Motel
The prototype for her best record. More varied songs, more structure, and some interesting instrumental flourishes. |
| 3 |  | Kristin Hersh
The Grotto
Despite Hersh being very forthright about her life, this record has the essence of a mysterious forest path about it. It can be alluring, but also a difficult listen. |
| 2 |  | Kristin Hersh
Wyatt at the Coyote Palace
There is a lot of music on here - that's not always a bad thing, as you I suppose you could pretty much do the editing yourself - I always feel a bit of a heel being critical about album length. But it's a daunting piece of work. Rewarding if you look closely, and actually very pleasant to listen to if you don't. |
| 1 |  | Kristin Hersh
Sunny Border Blue
The album that made me reappraise Hersh. Most reviews are sort of complimentary, but backhanded as well. Apparently having more hooks and pop flourishes than Hersh is known for is a bad thing.
Personally, I feel that's a massive strength - laced with her signature weirdness but more memorable, accessible and focused than ever. Probably a little biased as this record resonates with me on a deeply personal level, but when something feels this relevant and true, it's pointless to fight it. |
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