"Horses and High Heels" by Marianne Faithfull

Who could predict, back in 1960s that of all people it would be Marianne Faithfull, that pretty, angelic face with trembling voice and alluring innocence (soon to be crucified in media for her "dangerous acquaintances" with bad boys) who would mature into respected mature artist with charisma and longevity? Of course she metamorphosed into completely different person and shed the old skin to emerge like a decadent aristocrat now, smoky and ravaged voice in place of her innocent younger self - although media never completely let go and has focused on her alleged notoriety ever since, Faithfull herself occasionally playfully going along with it, part of her appeal for me is that I imagine that somewhere deep inside under all that cellophane she is still actually same person like before, just better at hiding it. I know it because from my own (now middle-aged) perspective I understand that we never change completely - under the layers of years and experience we are quintessentially always the same person we always were, the same old heart still beating, dreaming and hoping although we learned how to appear self-assured. 

Listen "Horses and High Heels" and marvel at vulnerability, sensitivity and yes, even sophistication that 65 year old Faithfull brings to this music. Like everything else she had done, each of her albums have a different approach and reason - where earlier she either collaborated with famous songwriters, producers or even focused on Bertold Brecht cabaret music, here she visits New Orleans (yes, there is a song by Allen Toussaint) and does her usual eclectic and eccentric choice of covers but this time she actually rocks like never before and for the first time I started to think, God, Marianne now actually rocks almost like Mick Jagger ("No Reason" by Jackie Lomax). It is truly fascinating listening experience not only because this is 65 years old grandmother rocking and smoking and caressing her whiskey, but because between the lines and under the surface she is honest to herself and not afraid to address serious questions - songs like "Goin' back" or "Past Present Future" might be just 1960s covers for some, but there is no doubt that Faithfull approaches them with intelligence of seasoned actress who rejoices in opportunity to act these songs like brilliant roles. And yes, she is so convincing in them that you might start to believe she sings about herself. These two songs, coming right next to each other are such killers that you can just bow down in awe for the sheer emotional impact they produce. I had loved and followed Faithfull practically my whole adult life so it is with great affection that I listen this album and realise I still love her as much as before, if not even more.