Karen Poston
Real Bad

© 2001 The Music Room

	Real Bad
	Flowered Dresses

In January 2001, Karen Poston And The Crystal Pistols were named one of the top 5 Americana acts in Austin, Texas by the readers and staff of Austin Americana.com and in March they were named by the Austin chronicle as one of the best new bands of 2000. All before this singer/songwriter had even released her first record.

As well as working as a studio vocalist, Karen has appeared on stage with The Derailers, Charlie Robison, Dale Watson and Ted Roddy and on record with the latter two. As a songwriter Karen has had her songs recorded by artists who include Slaid Cleaves who featured two of her songs on his album, "Broke Down."

For "Real Bad," her debut album, Karen has enlisted an impressive line up of guests who include Kelly Willis providing harmony vocals on the title track, "Real Bad," a catchy toe tapper that has her wondering what it was she said to have upset her lover so much. Watch the line-dancer's go to this one! Kelly also appears on "Lydia," a tragic, four and a half minute story of a mining accident.

Slaid Cleaves makes his appearance by providing the harmonies on the bouncy "Flowered Dresses," while Roger Wallace helps out on Liz Anderson's "Ride Ride Ride," one of two tracks not penned by Karen and another that is sure to go down well with the linedancers. The other 'Foreign' track on here is a cover of Mack David and Fred Speilman's "It Only Hurts For A Little While"

If you like a good Texas shuffle, then "Wherever You Are" should have you either up on the floor or bobbing around in your seat, while "He Makes Me Want You" is a good ballad with a Tex-Mex, somewhat Mavericks-ish feel to it.

"Real Bad" is a real good debut from this singer/songwriter who only moved south to Texas 7 years ago. Karen will be touring the UK with another female singer/songwriter, Penny Jo Pullus in late March (2002). On the evidence of this album, it should be a show well worth seeing. Dates can be found on the 'TOURS' page of this site.

Website; www.karenposton.com