Waify, wispy and whiney, country-folk newcomer Mindy Smith, 31, is too prone to self-pity. The Long Island native's first disc, for which she wrote 11 of 12 songs, is a litany of woe. She's "so broken I didn't notice" on "Raggedy Ann." She was "born at the bottom" on "Fighting for It All." And she's "blind-sided and deceived and chained to the floor" on "Angel Doves." At least Smith employs some talented backup musicians, like guitarist Will Kimbrough, and wisely includes her "Jolene" duet with Dolly Parton, which appeared on last year's Parton tribute disc Just Because I'm a Woman. However, not even Parton's artistry can relieve Smith's tiresome tone.
COUNTRY-FOLK
