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With a new record out this week and a tour also starting, the songwriter shifts into high gear.

 

BY BLURT STAFF

 

It's called The Excitement of Maybe and it arrives in stores this week via the venerable Bloodshot label (www.bloodshotrecords.com) - "it" being Exene Cervenka's brand new solo album. We're proud to be able to present a stream of the entire album for your listening pleasure. Check it out, below.

The Excitement of Maybe by Exene Cervenka by Bloodshot Records

 

You know the lady: co-founder of legendary L.A. punk outfit X, co-conspirator in alt-country pioneers The Knitters and latterday punk band Auntie Christ and the Original Sinners, spoken word performer, acclaimed visual artist. Excitement of Maybe is the latest in a string of outstanding solo releases, which have included 1989's Old Wives' Tales, 1990's Running Scared and 2009's Somewhere Gone, and it features the contributions of such musical talents as Dave Alvin, Christian McBride and labelmate Maggie Bjorklund.

 

Writes reviewer (and BLURT contributing editor) Lee Zimmerman in our latest issue, of the album,

 

It's a kinder, gentler Exene that graces the grooves of her latest solo outing, one that embraces shimmering steel guitars, subtle hints of brass and strings and a sound that offers a dissertation in the folkier side of Americana. Of course, Exene's never been one to shy away from change; following the initial demise of X, she ventured into various realms that took her from the traditional path of the Knitters to literary pursuits and a series of sterling solo albums.

 

But with The Excitement of Maybe she brings truth to the title's promise by exploring the possibilities of upping the accessibility factor without diminishing the drive and drama which shored up her earlier irascible reputation. Indeed, on songs such as "Already in Love," "Alone in California" and "I'll Admit It Now," she melds a country caress with undeniable hooks, and created a classic that's brought her to the crest of her career.

 

Exene continues to pursue her myriad other interests (X remains an ongoing proposition as well), but for the immediate future she'll be focusing on the new album. A tour kicks off this week in L.A. then heads over to Austin next week for SXSW, and after that she'll be criss-crossing the U.S. well into mid-April. Don't miss her if she comes anywhere near your town...

 

[Photo Credit: Maggie Thomas]

 

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