May 28, 2000
Breakup brings out best in Foley
By IAN NATHANSON

LOVE COMIN' DOWN
Sue Foley
(SHANACHIE)

Isn't it ironic that breaking relationships often spawn the best musical outings?

Unfortunately it's befallen Foley, but be damned if she's going to cry the blues about it. The Ottawa blues guitarist never sounded more fiery than she does on her sixth effort, produced by Canuck Colin Linden.

Mixing raw acoustic power with her Texas-influxed voice and mean old blues pickin', Foley unleashes her wrath on her ex-hubby (Two Trains, Love Comin' Down), goes through the motions of dealing with men (Willie Dixon's Same Thing, Am I Worthy of Love) and eventually yearns for a new love (To Be Next to You, Oh Baby (We Got A Good Thing Goin')).

The Freddy King rarity You're Barkin' Up the Wrong Tree jangles along as if Foley uncovered a lost Fats Domino record. And on Empty Cup, Lucinda Williams does a great impression of Foley (or is that the other way around?). Her most accessible album to date.

Track Listing 01. Two Trains
  02.Empty Cup
  03.Love Comin' Down
  04.You're Barkin' Up The Wrong Tree
  05.Same Thing
  06.Let My Tears Fall Down
  07.Let Me Drive
  08.To Be Next To You
  09.Mediterranean Breakfast
  10.Am I Worthy
  11.Oh Baby (We Got A Good Thing Goin')
  12.How Strong