Music Review

War and Peace (1996)

Syd Straw
Reviewed by Tony Scherman | May 10, 1996
EW's GRADE
A-

Details Lead Performance: Syd Straw

Rock's better-kept secret, Syd Straw made a first-rate debut album seven years ago, then scattered her energy on other people's projects. The 14 meaty songs on War and Peace, on which she sings about the brainy, slightly goofy single white female (''a woman of uneasy virtue taking her chances when she can''), are proof of what she can accomplish when she focuses. The melodies lilt, the band rocks, and Straw's reedy voice is an addictive blend of country warmth and urban jitters.

Originally posted May 10, 1996 Published in issue #326 May 10, 1996 Order article reprints

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