Michelle Shocked

Michelle Shocked has a thing for the number 3 – which in itself is not a bad thing. A lot of good things come in three's – The Three Stooges, Three Blind Mice, The Father, Son and Holy Ghost – but unfortunately 'Threesome' (released on Shocked's own Mighty Sound Label) is not one of them. Shocked's decision to not only produce but release all three albums simultaneously has been hailed as a brave one. She's been called a visionary and while I agree that she is an amazingly talented and determined artist, 'Threesome' can best be described as disorientating and chaotic. While I applaud her efforts and think the concept absolutely rocks, the real deal left me shaking my head, reaching for a stiff drink, having smoked far too many cigarettes while trying to make sense of it all.

The First Album, 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' is grit-rock all the way, a product of the dissipation and subsequent collapse of Shocked's marriage. Emotionally devastating lyrics are accompanied by muted trumpet accents – a fusion that is the very epitome of a broken heart. It is clear, on tracks like "Hardly Gonna Miss Him" and "Evacuation Route", Michelle Shocked is giving us a raw, very honest and therefore very beautiful account of a very poignant time in her life.

Next up is 'Mexican Standoff', a tribute to Michelle Shockeds Latin and Texan roots – infused with the blues. Michelle Shocked has been quoted as saying ‘Make your own music. It can be done'. This much is true. Her ‘Spanglish' album smacks of Shocked's wonderful creativity and ballsiness…

'Got no Strings' completes the trilogy. Shocked's PR team have promoted it as an album to be enjoyed by ‘young and old alike'. I don't know about you my stomach goes into spasms as soon as they turn that particular little phrase. Got No Strings has Miss Shocked belting out old Disney tunes (with a western swing twist added in for good measure).

'While Threesome' is an awesome concept and the albums are a testament to Michelle Shocked's prolific talent, I can't help but wonder if it was a mistake not to release them independently.

Listening to this album is like going into a bar and ordering a shot of tequila, a shot of Jack Daniels and a Pina Coloda, pouring them into a cocktail shaker and then , adding lemon, salt and a couple of bar snacks to the mix.

Independently the albums are amazing, together they're a killer hangover.