Better Dreams

The Kennedys ease back on the poppier side of their upbeat brand of folk-rock on their ninth studio album, Better Dreams, in favor of a more introspective approach. While Maura Kennedy and Pete Kennedy remain as tuneful as ever on these 12 new songs, a more subdued approach seems to have been dictated by the material; most of the songs on Better Dreams were inspired by images from Maura and Pete's own dreams, and while "Breathe" and "Speed of Soul" find playful and upbeat stories to tell in their after-dark reveries, much of the album deals with weightier themes. "Sago Mine" tells a harrowing tale of a West Virginia mining disaster, "Give Me Back My Country" is a plaintive but potent cry of protest against the abuses of the G.W. Bush administration, "American Wish" is a similar plea from a voice of conscience, and both "In My Dreams" and the title track deal with the refuge some can only find in sleep. While Better Dreams is a more moody and contemplative album than the Kennedys usually offer, the spirit of the music is still bright and passionate, and the musicianship remains top-notch. Maura Kennedy's vocals are sweet without betraying the gravity of her themes, Pete remains a gifted multi-instrumentalist, and the additional accompanists (most from the Kennedys' side group the Strangelings) offer lovely support without losing sight of the album's thematic focus. Better Dreams is a thoughtful album that reflects on a somber time in American history, but it also speaks of a sincere belief in better days and higher ideals, and it demonstrates why the Kennedys are one of the most compelling acts on the contemporary folk scene. ~ Mark Deming