Description
Iris DeMent – Infamous Angel – 180 Gram Cloudy Blue Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
VMP Country Record of the Month for January 2022.
30th Anniversary Edition of Dement’s stunning debut
Pressed on Exclusive 1800g Cloudy Blue Vinyl
Listening Notes booklet by David Cantwell
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released on January 25, 1992, Iris DeMent’s Infamous Angel is a stunning debut that introduced her as one of the most distinctive voices in country and folk music. Filled with heartfelt, deeply personal songs, the album explores themes of family, faith, love, and the passage of time, all delivered through DeMent’s singular voice—an instrument at once fragile and powerful, blending traditional country with folk and gospel influences. Infamous Angel stands as a seminal record in the Americana genre, capturing the simplicity and authenticity of small-town life, rural America, and DeMent’s own personal experiences.
Despite being her first album, Infamous Angel was lauded by critics for its honesty, emotional depth, and timeless sound, drawing comparisons to country and folk icons like Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and Loretta Lynn. The album’s sincere portrayal of ordinary life resonated with audiences, and DeMent quickly gained a devoted following, solidifying her as a major voice in American roots music.
Born in Paragould, Arkansas, and raised in a devoutly religious household, Iris DeMent grew up singing in church and absorbing traditional country, folk, and gospel music. It wasn’t until her mid-20s that she began writing her own songs, but when she did, her lyrics were filled with the themes of her upbringing—faith, family, and the simple but profound aspects of everyday life. With Infamous Angel, DeMent’s songwriting emerged fully formed, blending folk storytelling with country and gospel influences, and the album became a definitive statement of her artistry.
Although DeMent was a relatively late bloomer in terms of starting her music career, her mature and introspective songwriting was imbued with wisdom and nostalgia. Infamous Angel is a reflection of her rural roots, with each song offering a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of everyday life in small-town America.
Infamous Angel is deeply rooted in traditional country and folk music, featuring acoustic arrangements that allow DeMent’s voice and lyrics to shine. The instrumentation is simple yet effective, with acoustic guitar, piano, fiddle, and pedal steel creating a rich backdrop for her storytelling. The production is sparse and intimate, perfectly suiting the album’s reflective and personal tone.
Songs like “Let the Mystery Be” and “Hotter Than Mojave in My Heart” showcase DeMent’s ability to write in the tradition of classic country and folk music, with simple chord progressions and melodies that emphasize the lyrics. The use of acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and fiddle adds to the album’s timeless, Americana feel.
DeMent’s religious upbringing is evident in several tracks, particularly the album’s closing song, “Higher Ground,” and the hymn-like “When Love Was Young.” These songs reflect her connection to gospel music and the role faith has played in her life, with their spiritual themes and simple, reverent arrangements.
DeMent’s voice is distinctive—raw, unaffected, and deeply emotive. Her singing is both fragile and commanding, capable of expressing vulnerability and strength in equal measure. On songs like “Our Town” and “Mama’s Opry,” her voice carries the weight of personal history and lived experience, making every word feel sincere and heartfelt.
Lyrically, Infamous Angel is a deeply personal album that explores themes of family, faith, nostalgia, and the passage of time. DeMent’s songwriting is straightforward yet poignant, with her lyrics often drawing from her own experiences growing up in a religious household and living in rural America.
Many of the album’s songs reflect on family and childhood, with DeMent paying tribute to her parents and the simple yet meaningful experiences of growing up in a close-knit, rural community. “Mama’s Opry” is a heartfelt ode to her mother, who passed her love of music down to DeMent, while “My Life” reflects on the passage of time and the bittersweet memories of youth.
DeMent’s relationship with faith is a recurring theme on the album, particularly in songs like “Let the Mystery Be” and “Higher Ground.” These tracks explore DeMent’s personal reflections on spirituality, with “Let the Mystery Be” offering a refreshingly open-minded perspective on faith and the afterlife. The song’s message—that it’s okay not to have all the answers when it comes to religious belief—resonated with many listeners and remains one of DeMent’s most beloved songs.
Songs like “Our Town” and “Infamous Angel” capture the essence of small-town life, with DeMent reflecting on the beauty and simplicity of rural living, as well as the inevitable changes that come with time. “Our Town,” in particular, is a nostalgic, bittersweet reflection on the passing of time and the loss of a way of life, making it one of the most emotionally powerful tracks on the album.
Notable Tracks
“Let the Mystery Be”: This song became one of DeMent’s most iconic tracks, thanks to its simple, direct message about faith and uncertainty. With its bouncy, folk-inspired melody and straightforward lyrics, “Let the Mystery Be” encourages listeners to embrace life’s mysteries and find peace in not knowing all the answers. Its philosophical openness struck a chord with audiences, making it a standout on the album.
“Our Town”: One of the most poignant songs on the album, “Our Town” reflects on the passing of time and the inevitable changes that occur in small-town America. DeMent’s vocals are filled with nostalgia and sorrow, and the simple, acoustic arrangement underscores the emotional weight of the lyrics. This song became a signature piece for DeMent, showcasing her ability to capture profound emotions in a straightforward, relatable way.
“Mama’s Opry”: A touching tribute to DeMent’s mother and her love of country music, “Mama’s Opry” is a celebration of family traditions and the role music plays in connecting generations. The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid memories of DeMent’s childhood, and the acoustic guitar and fiddle accompaniment give it a warm, timeless feel.
“Hotter Than Mojave in My Heart”: A more upbeat, country-inflected track, this song showcases DeMent’s playful side. The lyrics reflect on love and heartbreak, with DeMent’s twangy vocals adding a bit of humor and sass to the mix.
“My Life”: One of the most introspective songs on the album, “My Life” deals with the passage of time and the choices we make along the way. DeMent’s vocal delivery is raw and emotional, making the song a powerful reflection on life’s journey.
Infamous Angel was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising DeMent’s unique voice, poignant songwriting, and ability to capture the essence of rural American life. Critics noted the album’s emotional sincerity and simplicity, comparing DeMent to iconic country and folk artists like Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and Loretta Lynn.
The album’s impact on the Americana and folk music scenes was significant, helping to revive interest in traditional country and roots music during the early 1990s. Infamous Angel has since become a classic of the genre, beloved for its timeless themes and heartfelt performances. Songs like “Let the Mystery Be” and “Our Town” have endured as some of DeMent’s most celebrated tracks, cementing her legacy as one of the most authentic and powerful voices in modern American music.
Infamous Angel is a stunning debut that captures the essence of Iris DeMent’s artistry—honest, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in the traditions of country, folk, and gospel music. With its timeless themes of family, faith, and the passage of time, the album resonates on a deeply personal level, offering listeners a glimpse into DeMent’s world while touching on universal emotions and experiences.
For fans of Americana, country, or folk music, Infamous Angel is a must-listen. It stands as one of the defining albums of the genre, showcasing Iris DeMent’s remarkable talent for songwriting and her ability to convey deep emotions with simplicity and grace. Even decades after its release, the album continues to inspire and move listeners with its authenticity and timeless beauty.
Track Listing
Let The Mystery Be
These Hills
Hotter Than Mojave In My Heart
When Love Was Young
Our Town
Fifty Miles Of Elbow Room
Infamous Angel
Sweet Forgiveness
After You’re Gone
Mama’s Opry
Higher Ground
