Top

music

Stories

 

Dolly Parton: Backwoods Barbie

At 62 years old, Dolly Parton is beyond legendary proportions. Don't laugh — in fact, say what you want about her appearance, chances are she's already beaten you to the punch. Parton's latest effort, Backwoods Barbie, is as self-aware as it is rife with her salt-of-the-earth sensibility. The poignant "Only Dreamin'" and sassy "Shinola" tap into Parton's innate knack for songwriting as she warbles sentiments sung time and again, yet somehow manages to remain fully herself. "I'm just a backwoods Barbie, too much makeup, too much hair," she sings with characteristic humor and honesty on the title track. "Don't let these false eyelashes lead you to believe that I'm as shallow as I look." Continuing the oddball covers tradition of her recent bluegrass albums ("Stairway to Heaven," Collective Soul's "Shine"), here Parton chooses "Drives Me Crazy," otherwise known as Fine Young Cannibals' 1989 hit "She Drives Me Crazy," and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' 1965 classic "Tracks of My Tears." Here and elsewhere, Parton's vocals have astonishingly retained virtually all the youthful luster of her "Coat of Many Colors" days. At its worst, Backwoods Barbie is mere fun; at its best, it's a keen insight into the heart of a country-music icon.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 

Concert Calendar

  • June
  • Wed
    19
  • Thu
    20
  • Fri
    21
  • Sat
    22
  • Sun
    23
  • Mon
    24
  • Tue
    25
Houston Event Tickets
©2013 Houston Press, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Houston

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city