Need a remedy for insomnia? Then dig the plodding grooves on songstress Cindy Bullens sixth record, the aptly titled dream #29. Youd think a collection of soft-rock tunes featuring friends and guest contributors Delbert McClinton, E Street bassist Garry Tallent, Elton John and Red Sox knuckler Tim Wakefield (?) should be, um, diverse? Think again. Bullens slo-mo vocalese normalizes the entire package to a point where its downright drudgery just hitting the play button on the old hi-fi. Shes been nominated for a couple of Grammys, sang with Elton before he sucked, and made a record with guest appearances by friends Emmylou, John Hiatt and Steve Earle. Thats more than most can say. (If only shed made friends with Snoop Dogg, Astros fastballer Roger Clemens and, say, John Prine.) Shes had her share of lifes hard knocks too; but who could tell? The title tracks guest pianist calls for levity: What do you get when you cross Sir Elton John with a saber-toothed tiger? Answer: We dont know but for Gods sake keep it away from your ass.
Robin Johnson writes about music for Metro Times. Send comments to letters@metrotimes.com.
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