Patty Griffin is an artist I have been following (obsessing about, really) ever since I heard her debut Living With Ghosts in 1996. She is quite simply one of my favourite singer-songwriters; her lyrics and voice speak to me like very few others.

American Kid is Griffin’s first album of original songs in six years, and it’s reminiscent of her earlier work. That is, it’s acoustic in nature, with stripped back instrumentation that allows her incredibly powerful voice to shine.

An extra treat for fans is the presence of her beau (some say husband) Robert Plant, with whom she records as The Band of Joy. Their duet ‘Ohio’ is a beautiful thing.

Welcome back, Patty. Now how about another tour?

Dave Clarke is a Music & DVD Specialist at Readings Carlton.