Carolyn Mark doesn't hold back on the boogie of old-time country music. With her guitar and a notebook full of lyrical heartache, the astounding results of
Party Girl is a fine documentation on the roots of country. Although
Mark doesn't perfectly capture the haunting vocals of
Patsy Cline, her honesty of love and other tragedies are perfectly captured on tracks such as "Don't Come Over Baby." As
Mark bellows: "Don't come over baby/You're not invited/Love is so much better when it's unrequited/So go to hell, leave me alone/And please don't answer baby/When I call you on the phone." The added lo-fi touch of basement recordings only contributes to the sincerity that gives
Party Girl its rugged, open appeal. ~ Mike DaRonco