Originally released in 1993 and then re-released in 1995 with additional tracks and some additional instrumentation ‘The Honesty Room’ is one of the very best contemporary folk albums of the past 15 years or so.
Revisiting the disc in 2006 (for the European re-issue) the thing that hits you is how little the album has aged, it still sounds fresh and current and songs as striking as they ever were.
The lyrics deliver on both a serious and humorous level and all 13 songs are hook-laden memorable affairs, and musically this album has a great balance of acoustic guitar tracks and more upbeat numbers.
There are many standouts here, the most immediate is her well known ‘The Babysitter’s Here’ a poignant story of childhood mixing with impending adulthood, but the highlights are spread throughout with ‘You’re Aging Well’ and ‘When Sal’s Burned Down’ being particular favourites.
Back in 1995 this album was a revelation to me, it was my first introduction to contemporary folk and was the catalyst that led me to seek out related artists and in turn that led to the start of Fish Records.
It sounds as good as it did when it was originally released and remains a stunning collection of songs that are beautifully performed and sung – very highly recommended.

Neil Pearson, Fish Records. April 2006

£10.99