Caught in the Carousel

The Chapin Sisters

Lake Bottom LP
Plain Recordings

The Chapin Sisters have been singing together since they were children in the back seat of a car. Like the Pointer Sisters, they really are sisters, although they don't all have the same father. Abigail and Lily's father is Tom Chapin, and Jessica Craven is Wes Craven's daughter, and Bob's their uncle--I mean, Harry's their uncle (and if you're unfamiliar with "Cat's in the Cradle" stop reading right now). The extended Chapin family boasts famous composers, musicians, philosophers and illustrators; picture Thanksgiving at their place… The sisters are most often seen onstage dressed in layers of Victorian underthings and gauzy white cotton and eyelet. The clothes and the sweet, angelic harmonies might suggest an innocence that could lull you into a Birkenstock wearing, navel gazing coma if you're not really paying attention. Apple pies cooling on a wooden porch in Vermont and barefoot berry picking in a meadow come to mind until you listen to the lyrics and realize that the sweet harmonies betray a wry dark theme to this collection of songs. It's abundantly clear that none of these sisters were ever Mouseketeers. "Kill Me Now" (my personal favorite) is a straightforward, albeit polite request for a homicide by knife or stone throwing in three-part harmony. "Let Me Go" is a lilting, lovely and spellbinding gem with a dark, dark side, great for playing in the car on your way to your divorce lawyer's office. "Wash Away" seems like a folky version of that wonderful song "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair," only prettier and a bit more to the point. "I Hate The Moon," and "Girlfriend" (although it would be more aptly titled "I Hate Your Girlfriend") also deserve honorable mentions. Hell, go buy the whole album, It's all good, especially if you've ever had any regrets or broken dreams or shitty boyfriends, and who hasn't?

—Yvonne Prinz