I was talking to Bean about how I’ve been listening to Blanche a lot these days. And I mentioned that I also have a new appreciation for Dolly Parton. I always liked her, but the other day I put on her CD Little Sparrow and loved it all over again. Then Bean said that she puts on Blanche when she feels “a little bit country” and that’s exactly how I’ve been feeling these days.

The Blanche song that always makes me want to push the repeat button is “Jack On Fire”. The creepy lyrics are perfectly sung with a menacing undertone, but then the female voice chimes in and sings the most disturbing bit of lyrics ever. Her voice is so sweet and airy and makes the lyrics that much more unsettling. It has the same effect as using seemingly cute little kids in horror movies. It’s hauntingly beautiful. The title song of Dolly Parton’s album Little Sparrow is equally addictive, but in a whole other way. It has the feel of an old traditional folky bluegrass ballad, but it’s all Dolly’s.

   Blanche - Jack On Fire
   Dolly Parton - Little Sparrow