Shocked Back

Michelle Shocked rocks new 10-song collection

By Nancy Dunham

It's probably unfair that Michelle Shocked's name conjures an image of her in handcuffs as she struggled with police at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco.

Of course Shocked used the photo (which was published on the front page of the San Francisco Examiner) of herself in the chokehold on the cover of one of her best-known album Short Sharp Shocked. Even her professional name (she was born Karen Michelle Johnston) is a reminder of that day; when asked her name by police she said Michelle Shocked, as a play on the term "Shell Shocked." But despite what some think, the woman is about much more than that one day - or one cause, genre or feeling, for that matter.

She's back this month with a new album Soul of My Soul, a prelude to future collaborations with the man she loves, fine artist David Willardson. The 10-song collection -- set for May 26 release --  is a rocker with plenty of songs about Willardson, who Shocked calls the "official love of my life." But lest you think love has softened Shocked's civil outrage, she includes songs such as "Other People," a clear swipe at the last Presidential administration and what she calls "Bush's America."

As much as we love Shocked's last release - ToHeavenURide -- a gospel album digitally recorded at 2003 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, it's great to have her back in rock and roll form.

Watch BLURT for a review of the album soon.

Tour dates:

May 6 - Hugh's Room - Toronto, Ont.

May 7 - Sydenham United Church - Kingston, Ont.

May 8 - One Longfellow Square - Portland, Maine

May 9 - Tupelo Music Hall - Londonderry, N.H.

May 10 - Iron Horse Music Hall - Northampton, Mass.

May 14 - City Winery - New York, NY

May 15 - Puck - Doylestown, Pa.

May 16 - Ram's Head Tavern - Annapolis, Md.

May 17 - Beyond November Coalition Fundraiser - Los Angeles

June 15 - Myrna Loy Center - Helena, Mt.

June 19 - Space - Evanston, Ill.

June 20- Midwest Renewable Energy Fair - Custer, Wisc.

Aug. 13 - Sandpoint Festival - Sandpoint, Idaho

Aug. 14 - Brewery Arts Center - Carson City, Nev.

For more information, go to Michelle Shocked