Sun-kissed faces, skimpy clothing, mercury rising—it may be the season for the sizzling summer fling, but two new albums nail the burn of love gone wrong: Sam Phillips's Don't Do Anything (Nonesuch), written after a wrenching divorce, and Martha Wainwright's title-says-it-all I Know You're Married but I've Got Feelings Too (Rounder). A primer.
MARTHA WAINWRIGHT
Who's who
Part of a distinguished folk family—you can hear shades of big brother Rufus in her breathtakingly elastic, eccentric voice.
Sounds like
An uninhibited yet elegant diary entry: big, messy emotions reined in just enough by intricate folk-rock arrangements
Brazenly lovelorn sample lyric
My heart was made for bleeding all over you.
Standout song
"You Cheated Me"
SAM PHILLIPSWho's who
Pop-rock veteran and former wife of superproducer T-Bone Burnett, she's best known for her velvety vocals on the Gilmore Girls soundtrack.
Sounds like
The musical equivalent of a haunted-house ride: distorted guitars, thunderous drums, and oddball sound effects
Brazenly lovelorn sample lyric
The streets are so dark at night / and now they stay dark when it's light.
Standout song
"My Career in Chemistry"
From the July 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
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Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D
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