Hey folks!

The late 80s to early 90s was a period when a lot of women singer-songwriters were showing up and making waves: Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, Indigo Girls, Tori Amos… lots of names you undoubtedly know. One of my favorites from this time, one I actually heard when it was released, was 1988’s SHORT SHARP SHOCKED by Michelle Shocked. A number of these acts tended to skew (neo)folkie, including Shocked. But while Shocked’s album is mostly of a folkie bent, she does take the opportunity to stretch out of her given genre. I mean, Tracy Chapman’s great, but she’s never going to do a hardcore punk raveup with MDC.

Now, some time back, Shocked was reported airing anti-trans views, which sucks an incredible amount. If that’s a deal-breaker, and no reason why it shouldn’t be, then feel free to ignore this album that isn’t even technically available. However, it seemed clear at the time, to me, that she was also suffering some mental health issues. That doesn’t exculpate her, of course, but I am willing to extend some grace.

Anyway, if you’d like to hear this album, which is pretty much impossible to find on the internet, you now can thanks to the efforts of Best Album Bracketeer Rena MJ. Click here to go to a Google Drive page to download the album and listen at your leisure. Again, you’re under no obligation to listen to it, let alone nominate it, but I want that opportunity to be there for you regardless.

Thanks,

Kent