Why is it that use of the word God conjures up images of power, rock-like everlasting strength, and, ultimately, supreme masculinity? Whereas, use of the word Goddess conjures up images of fairies, flowing robes, floral ringlets worn on the head of fair maidens, and, most unfortunately, the well-worn New-Age aisle in your nearest bookstore? Not very complimentary to the ladies.
If you read enough of man’s violent history, what becomes vividly clear is that “in the beginning” women were the shit, and rightly so; they made the babies. God was a woman back then. She was everything: mother, lover, fighter and leader. And only after centuries of jealous trickery did men pull the rug out from under her feet.
Sam Beam knows this. Woman King is but a tiny altar in this big world, but what a pretty one. With his lullaby pacing, Beam has crafted a small devotional that glimpses each face of every woman. Though, “she is more than her thousand names” whispers Beam on “My Lady’s House”, one of six songs that seem to touch on each of the feminine archetypes. “Woman King” recalls and portends when women were/will be the battered kings with “bloodshot eye/ thumb down and starting to weep.” “Jezebel”, a song just pretty as hell, contests the evils long associated with her reputation, “she was born to be the woman I would know”, “she was born to be the woman we could blame.” “Gray Stables” hides within pond mosses and watches the lady “like a teacup on the counter” bathe. “Freedom Hangs Like Heaven” reveals the ultimate mother, Mary, mother of God, from three seemingly different perspectives. And “Evening on the Ground” sings plainly “we were born to fuck each other/ one way or another.”
Haunting biblical imagery, humble phrasing, and that voice [this time accompanied wonderfully by his sister Sarah] make Woman King a rare thing: a beautiful record with purpose that delivers without an ounce of pretense.
Above all, Beam did what he’s not been able to thus far. With a more percussive approach and even a little guitar distortion he got my head moving, he even got me dancing a little. |