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Michelle Shocked — Black Widow
Album: Short Sharp Shocked
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 507









Released: 1988
Length: 2:29
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Time is red
Time is deadly
Time under glass
Time will tell
Time will tell
The tale of the widow
Who walks her web
Mourning the night
Mourning her dead
Mourning her dead

Did you lose him to a broom
Trapped in a corner of the room
Or was it under the foot
Of the marching black boot
Marching black boot

Is it the lonelines of the night
That makes you reach out and bite
The unawakened flesh
You lady in distress
You poor suffering Murderess
Comments (85)add comment
I remember when this album came out.  It was considered ground breaking, because she was mashing together so  much (including the hammered dulcimer!). 

Remember: this was pre-Lillith.  
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Her Anchorage album is pretty good. 

But I don't if  it had much hammer dulcimer.  
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 mgoldman wrote:
She proves that g*d even loves mental illness and homophobes....
 
G*d is a human concept, as is homophobia. Beautiful song though, which you can only hear if you're lucky enough to get here through PSD.
Posted 7 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
She proves that g*d even loves mental illness and homophobes....
Posted 11 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
 d48m02h1918 wrote:
In light of Shocked's idiotic comments recently, I don't think her sounds are going to hold much clout anymore!!

 
Agreed. She's been so erratic since that initial blowup, I'm honestly not sure if it is a brain tumor or a flawlessly executed piece of performance art on the astounding career of Charlie Sheen. 
Posted 11 years ago by ufamsm    [ Reply ]
In light of Shocked's idiotic comments recently, I don't think her sounds are going to hold much clout anymore!!
Posted 11 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
Hammered dulcimer FTW!
Posted 11 years ago by ottojschlosser    [ Reply ]
 spraehbuer wrote:
is it just me or do more and more artists use the hammered dulcimer recently? {#Think}
 
Not enough, in my opinion!  It's on my bucket list to learn how to play one someday....love it.
Posted 12 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
 bluecshells wrote:
One of the best albums!
 

Yeah, just a remarkable album.
Posted 12 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

You'd have enough to stand us all a round. Mine's a pint. 
 

I'm just here for the music

and beer


Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Christ, if I had a nickel for every time I heard a hammered dulcimer . . .
 
You'd have enough to stand us all a round. Mine's a pint. 
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 bluecshells wrote:
her best album

 
nicer


Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
One of the best albums!

Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Christ, if I had a nickel for every time I heard a hammered dulcimer . . .

  You'd have about $.85...


Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Christ, if I had a nickel for every time I heard a hammered dulcimer . . .

 
Or an Uillean pipe...

Posted 13 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Christ, if I had a nickel for every time I heard a hammered dulcimer . . .

 
Wilco uses it a lot.
Posted 13 years ago by Lumpy13    [ Reply ]
Oh my this is beautiful!!!

9
Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
Ahhh, always nice to hear Michelle. Good to see her music is holding up over the years.


Posted 14 years ago by dsmcd01    [ Reply ]
 spraehbuer wrote:
is it just me or do more and more artists use the hammered dulcimer recently? {#Think}
 
Christ, if I had a nickel for every time I heard a hammered dulcimer . . .

Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 Photo-John wrote:
DMX? It's DOA, one of the greatest punk rock bands ever. I hate DMX. He is the suckiest of sucky bad rappers.
  Thanks for the correction. I'm not familiar with either one, so I was guessing, hence the (?). Love 'Fogtown' though, it closes out the disc with a decidedly different feel.


Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I bought this album when it came out and have always liked it.  Great song from it.
Posted 15 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 spraehbuer wrote:
is it just me or do more and more artists use the hammered dulcimer recently? {#Think}
 

recently?????? This came out in 1988.
Posted 15 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 spraehbuer wrote:
is it just me or do more and more artists use the hammered dulcimer recently? {#Think}
 
Yes, more and more artists are getting hammered. {#Wink}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 rbigelo wrote:
Fabulous! She reminds me - in a way - of Woody Guthrie.

 
Wow—good call. I never would have compared the two, but I'm with you!
Posted 15 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
 paulpaar wrote:
" . . . oh you poor, poor suffering , . . . Murderess!"
. . . what a classic enuncation.

9 
 
Ms. Shocked is good for that - glad to drop a 9 on this one too! 
Posted 15 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
" . . . oh you poor, poor suffering , . . . Murderess!"
. . . what a classic enuncation.

9 
Posted 15 years ago by paulpaar    [ Reply ]
is it just me or do more and more artists use the hammered dulcimer recently? {#Think}
Posted 15 years ago by spraehbuer    [ Reply ]

Posted 15 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
I realize that what makes this song work so well for me is the juxtaposition of the bright acoustic chords echoes by the throbbing bass. This remains one of her best recordings.
Posted 15 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
 lophrequa wrote:
love her love her love her! a true voice
 

Indeed. Much under-appreciated.
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
love her love her love her! a true voice
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
More Michelle Shocked from this album please. Many great songs on this LP.
Posted 16 years ago by cafortier    [ Reply ]
I have this CD (Short Sharp Shocked) and the version that I have is slightly different. Wonder why. Great stuff, nevertheless. One of her better CD's as well.
Posted 16 years ago by jptl    [ Reply ]
Fabulous! She reminds me - in a way - of Woody Guthrie.
Posted 16 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Photo-John wrote:
One of my favorite songs ever from one of my favorite albums ever. It's right up there with Slayer's "South of Heaven."
These are indeed two excellent albums, each in their own way.
Posted 16 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
Photo-John wrote:
DMX? It's DOA, one of the greatest punk rock bands ever. I hate DMX. He is the suckiest of sucky bad rappers.
Definitely! DOA is extraordinary, especially together with Jello Biafra.
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
haven't heard this in years..great way to end side one if i remember correctly
Posted 17 years ago by sugarbaby    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs ever from one of my favorite albums ever. It's right up there with Slayer's "South of Heaven."
Posted 17 years ago by Photo-John    [ Reply ]
cc_rider wrote:
Not just yours, it is one of THE best albums EVER. Even the hidden track 'Fogtown' at the end with DMX (?) She can rock out too! c.
DMX? It's DOA, one of the greatest punk rock bands ever. I hate DMX. He is the suckiest of sucky bad rappers.
Posted 17 years ago by Photo-John    [ Reply ]
boo! hiss! this artist supports SoundExchange and the other corporate demons
Posted 17 years ago by yclept    [ Reply ]
frank-peter wrote:
One of my best LP`s, not only this song is great!
Not just yours, it is one of THE best albums EVER. Even the hidden track 'Fogtown' at the end with DMX (?) She can rock out too! c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Is that a dulcimer? Sounds nice!
Posted 17 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
I heard her play live at the polo field in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and she opened by saying "Everyone clap your hands now, and now one'll get hurt."
Posted 17 years ago by MichaelCrawford    [ Reply ]
... good one michelle
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
So much wonderful music this evening, sent as bits and bytes to farflung reaches of the planet. Me, I'm cranking through some expenses and very much enjoying the stream.(Pop) Heh - my wife is about to start a late-night reading session for a course she is doing, and I have a bunch more reports to do. She just popped the cheap bubbly (hey - it was cold). 2:03 am on a Monday night. The night wears on, and the music flows...
Posted 17 years ago by NewFee    [ Reply ]
rsfc_carp wrote:
Er, actually from Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado' "To sit in solemn silence in a dull, dark dock, in a pestilential prison with a life-long lock. Awaiting the sensation of a short, sharp shock, from a cheap and chippy chopper with a big, black block."
Yes, I enjoyed Topsy Turvy, too. She's in my all time top ten, male or female. An amazing musician and an amazing woman. None of her stuff sounds over-produced to me, by the way.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
A distinctive and unique artist always quality . I know as i dont' visit this genre of music very often , but i have followed MS since the TCT album. At her best when not over studio produced.
Posted 18 years ago by Pablo13    [ Reply ]
natsthename wrote:
I still love that Michelle lifted the title from Pink Floyd (with her own twist to it.) Classic album!
Er, actually from Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado' "To sit in solemn silence in a dull, dark dock, in a pestilential prison with a life-long lock. Awaiting the sensation of a short, sharp shock, from a cheap and chippy chopper with a big, black block."
Posted 18 years ago by rsfc_carp    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
Evidently to some listeners, Liberal=girl with an opinion. I guess that makes me one too. Hmmm imagine that.
Glad to join the ranks!!
Posted 18 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
One of my best LP`s, not only this song is great! The whole LP / CD is beautiful with best music and intense lyrics! I love this album!!!
Posted 18 years ago by frank-peter    [ Reply ]
ArmchairMusician wrote:
I won a live demo from a local radio station - Loved it! Unfortunately it was eaten by my Australian Shepherd! (He liked cardboard case - it was during his young "paper" stage) Still.. I'll never forgive him for it.
Funny, my Australian Shepherd mix went through a remote control eating phase. Glad she got over that!
Posted 18 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
If you can locate her first recording--if you can call it that: it was made on a Walkman at a campsite--you should cherish it: The Texas Campfire Tapes.
I won a live demo from a local radio station - Loved it! Unfortunately it was eaten by my Australian Shepherd! (He liked cardboard case - it was during his young "paper" stage) Still.. I'll never forgive him for it.
Posted 18 years ago by ArmchairMusician    [ Reply ]
meloman wrote:
"folk is liberal crap!" The thing about an open forum is there's no entrance exam or qualification test...so we get to read fatuous nonsense like this. Thanks for broadening the range of comments on the dumb side to include absolute inaninty.
Mind you, that was posted almost 4 years ago. Last I checked lbrc wasn't frequenting these haunts anymore. What a shame. Time to move on. Likeable tune, anyway.
Posted 18 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
lbrc wrote:
i'd love to hear her guitar smashed over her head! folk is liberal crap!
"folk is liberal crap!" The thing about an open forum is there's no entrance exam or qualification test...so we get to read fatuous nonsense like this. Thanks for broadening the range of comments on the dumb side to include absolute inaninty.
Posted 18 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
her live amsterdam album is gooooood.
Posted 18 years ago by Luna2    [ Reply ]
This wonderful woman's music was one of my great inspirations as a singer/songwriter. I had the awesome opportunity to meet her and she was so cool! She is one of our great American musicians who incidentally also dosen't take any crap from record labels. In fact, she was so bold as to sue her first record label under the slavery amendment to the constitution... and WON! She is very socially concious and continues to forge boldly ahead in the music world.
Posted 18 years ago by MrsAustin    [ Reply ]
Been a Shocked fan for 17 years. Love this song, and album. And yes, she does put on one hell of a live show.
Posted 18 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
I still love that Michelle lifted the title from Pink Floyd (with her own twist to it.) Classic album!
Posted 18 years ago by natsthename    [ Reply ]
If you can locate her first recording--if you can call it that: it was made on a Walkman at a campsite--you should cherish it: The Texas Campfire Tapes.
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
I've looked at the lyrics, and I don't see anything terribly political about this song. Can't understand what the fuss is.
Posted 18 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
For all you all-Americans...this is genuine Americana..Miss Shell Shocked..truly one of the great contemporary American songwriters...with punk rock heart...I don't know 'bout no liberal crap...ingorant folks always callin' me liberal too!...
Posted 18 years ago by sycamore    [ Reply ]
Well Mojoman, then it's safe to conclude that we can mark you down as "definitely NOT broad-minded." Very nice song. mojoman wrote:
Can also be described as fatuous, self-important crap.
Posted 18 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
geavis wrote:
Liberal as defined by Miriam-Websters: BROAD-MINDED; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
Can also be described as fatuous, self-important crap.
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
Oddly enough, this is the first LP I've heard fresh on RP that I'd actually go purchase. Nice voice, nice production values.
Posted 19 years ago by eeching2004    [ Reply ]
perfect song from a great artist
Posted 19 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Whenever I hear this song begin, I always think of Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO.
Posted 19 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
Evidently to some listeners, Liberal=girl with an opinion. I guess that makes me one too. Hmmm imagine that.
pepperland girl, forgive them, for they know not what they talk about. (that ought to raise their b.p.! tee hee!) we girls will always be stronger than those silly boys. it has always been thus.
Posted 19 years ago by bubble_headed_beach_blond    [ Reply ]
thekavas wrote:
Like this song,the hammered dulcimer caught my ear,
hmm... user does not exist! Troll at RP, story at 11. :)
Posted 19 years ago by mfassett    [ Reply ]
Just love the hammer dulcimer!
Posted 20 years ago by Podge    [ Reply ]
Evidently to some listeners, Liberal=girl with an opinion. I guess that makes me one too. Hmmm imagine that.
Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
Liberal as defined by Miriam-Websters: BROAD-MINDED; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
Posted 20 years ago by geavis    [ Reply ]
lbrc wrote:
i'd love to hear her guitar smashed over her head! folk is liberal cr-p!
I liked this to begin with. Now that you've informed us there's something "liberal" about it, I've just boosted it a couple of notches on the rating to Max! Thanks!!
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
Still an excellent album
Posted 20 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
Michelle just continues to surprise. Very nice!
Posted 21 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by LBRC: i'd love to hear her guitar smashed over her head! folk is liberal crap!
You are an uptight asshole.
Posted 21 years ago by Mike88    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by LBRC: folk is liberal crap!
um...you are at the wrong website. "eclectic intelligent rock" is, well, liberal by nature. don't you realize that liberals (and people to the left of "liberal") are the ones who are, almost without exception, CREATING all this cool music? get a gol-danged CLUE, my friend. ..... or maybe you just need to go back to your Faux News and Rush the Foaming Nazi. IMHO, "liberal crap" is a naive oxymoron... :p
Posted 21 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
originally posted by lbrc: folk is liberal crap!
that's an odd statement, considering that american folk music came out of rural areas, primarily across appalachia and the south, which tend to be anything but liberal. by the way, although michelle shocked came out of texas (which ain't exactly a hotbed of liberalism), much of her music would definitely not fall into the "folk genre"--in fact, try finding her in that bin in your local music store.edited by ludwig7 at 3:57 pm on 5/26/2003
Posted 21 years ago by ludwig7    [ Reply ]
This is a great song. Michelle Shocked it a great artist. Doesn\'t sound like folk to me.
Posted 21 years ago by coyotexxx2    [ Reply ]
Hadn't heard this in a long time, thanks. I love her guitar on this.
Posted 22 years ago by robca    [ Reply ]
Like this song,the hammered dulcimer caught my ear,
Posted 22 years ago by thekavas    [ Reply ]
Michelle Shocked=Integrity
Posted 22 years ago by Analeptic    [ Reply ]
I love this! Wonderful throwback to \"old timey\" folk songs. Unique.
Posted 22 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]