31 Tigers Records Nashville - Baltimore

Brand-spanking-new "Balls" Reviews!

"Certainly it's her best, so far, her most coherent musical presentation and her most varied, most revealing set of songs. The songs sparkle, and it is possible to hear and enjoy both her humor and her humanity. And the woman can write."

- Grant Alden, No Depression magazine

"She sounds like she could be the Coal Miner's Daughter's feminist grandkid...both authentic and hip... There's a surprise around every corner..."What Do I Do" finds Cook's twangy soprano leaping into the honky-tonk stratosphere. But get ready for her cover of the Velvet Underground's "Sunday Morning, " which she dang near makes her own. Then again, that's something you might expect from a girl with an affinity for vintage cocktail dresses who still insists on baiting her own hook.

- Alanna Nash, Amazon.com

"The rare country singer who connects with both mainstream and alternative audiences, Cook receives equally effusive crowd responses at the Grand Ole Opry and the Exit/In, or in Austin, Texas, and Branson, Mo.

"Her upcoming Rodney Crowell-produced album shows she’s been on a roll. One ringer that has crowds shouting with approval midsong features the chorus, “It takes balls to be a woman, ” a truism she explains with knowing detail in the lyrics."

- Nashville Scene

"...the title track...is the nutshell summation of what makes her the perfect middle ground between the Dixie Chicks and Neko Case. Southern through and through (down to the unfathomable Southern belle beauty), but backed with the cred of Rodney Crowell as producer and a totally believable Velvet Underground cover, Cook is the rebellious spirit Loretta Lynn surely would have been at her age had the times fully allowed.

"The record is part jaunty and jubilant, chugging along on rollicking snares, and part subtle and twangy, resting on little aside from Cook’s Dolly Parton-inflected voice and forlorn fiddle. Whether she indeed finds Neko-like acceptance from the indie community, creeps her way into mainstream country’s consciousness or falls completely between the cracks with this album remains to be seen. But it should most certainly at least be heard."

- CMJ

Quotes and previous reviews:

"I think about Emmylou and Loretta and fuse them all together and it comes out Elizabeth Cook."

"Country music just doesn't get much more down-home than this...Cook's the real deal."

"Her voice...begs comparison to classic country divas such as Loretta Lynn and especially Dolly Parton. (Her songs) all affirm the power of unadulterated old-time country and Cook's complete command of this idiom.

"...her ability to tell colorful stories and express deep feelings is right on par with her exceptional singing. She comes across like one of your best girlfriends - confiding her deepest secrets one minute, then launching into a goofy joke the next."

"...ranges easily through honky-tonk, shuffles, torch balladry and gospel. And she writes with a vivid immediacy and smartness...the sharp twang in the Florida native's voice makes it clear that she remains bracingly, unabashedly country."

"...this is real country music - what every damn country radio station in the country would be playing if they any any ears (or balls).

"...exudes much confidence and style. She's had her hand in on all of the songwriting, and she can sure turn some wonderful phrases, in the classic tradition of country roots music...Her voice is captivating...her backing ensemble...is flawless."