(Sugar Hill)
Despite many wonderful songs and a position as an inspiration to many women and men in music, a discussion of Dolly Parton often leads straight to a discussion of her appearance. Unlike many women who downplay their sexuality in the music-making process, Parton has always spent plenty of time making sure that the audience knows exactly what she looks like.
The simultaneous release of a live album and DVD, both called "Live and Well," make this clear. The last few years have found her retreating from the pop-based country-music scene and returning to an acoustic-based bluegrass world where songs are more important than image. As talented at marketing as she can be at songwriting, this time Parton has figured out how to get it both ways.
The album, recorded at her Dollywood theme park with an uncredited group of backing musicians, is more like a one-person show on Broadway (or in Branson) than a regular concert. Or, perhaps, more like a political campaign. She tells stories and jokes that have been recycled on countless talk shows and Bob Hope specials. She talks about poor relatives living out in the country and salutes the drag queens who "look more like me than I do."
Ultimately, it doesn't quite add up. Her voice remains a natural wonder, but her songs lack the depth and hard-earned wisdom of Loretta Lynn's. Unless you need a new recording of "9 to 5" to play at an office party, get the DVD if you're still a big fan. Otherwise, she has plenty of older recordings more worthy of recommendation.
