It’s worth repeating: honesty equals purity. No one can make qualms that Henry Rollins’ “Liar” isn’t a salvo on the act of manipulation of truth but even in its sardonic attempt at exposing assholes, the first person narrative does in fact tell facts (“I promise”) about fiction. Though not painted in red or trapped inside a Faustian sideshow, Caroline Says is wrought with honesty. It enchants her debut cassette, that has more in common with Costello’s no nonsense beginnings rather than the affront Presley put forth in public. Nothing is behind closed doors throughout 50 Million Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong except the origin of the record’s title. Titles such as “My Fiance’s Pets” and “Winter is Cold” point the direction of Caroline Says better than any depiction of her varied pop. With the laid bare honesty comes a warmth, whether through familiarity with the subject matter or the sound therein. It feels worn and comfortable because there are no secrets, just truths sweetly exposed. Don’t we all feel a bit better about our situation now that we’ve stepped into the light?
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