To Whom It May Concern
(Capitol)
Release Date: 04/08/2003 12:00
If the chip on Lisa Marie Presleys shoulder were any bigger, shed be a lumberjack. Move over, Courtney Love: Heres a woman determined to dump her psychodrama into the mainstream.As every tabloid devotee knows, Elviss daughter is the ex-missus of both Nicolas Cage and Michael Jackson. But Presley, whos 35, still gets along with her first husband, Danny Keough, an undistinguished songwriter who collaborated with her on this album filled with angry, guilt-ridden kiss-offs. Presleys debut has been marinating for years, through various versions and producers. But the music is consistent: broad, slow-strumming rock, plush and glum in minor keys. Professional as the backup is, melodies are scarce, and Presleys low, breathy voice belongs in karaoke. She randomly bursts into dramatics, and when she reaches higher and fuller, she sounds uncannily like Cher, who has always known that a drama queen still needs a catchy chorus. The songs, unfortunately, arent Hollywood tell-alls, though Lights Out contemplates the family funeral plot in the damn back lawn in Memphis. Most of the songs are the free-associating spew of a potty-mouthed, proudly maladjusted gal who loves her children and despises or mistrusts everyone else, including herself. Self-righteousness, paranoia and perverse pride circle endlessly. The album could have been worse; Presley could have remade her dads Dont Be Cruel. In a self-obsessed way, that is her message.