No Frills

Despite a long career in music which stretches back to the mid-'60s, No Frills was Beverley Martyn's first solo album. Her voice is still basically the same as it was on the earlier '70s albums with John Martyn -- somewhat like Linda Thompson or Sandy Denny, but with a deeper tone. No Frills is an apt title, as it is solely Martyn accompanying herself on acoustic guitar. Yet, the feel is generally quite downbeat, and unfortunately there's not much variance in mood throughout. This results in a dull listening experience after the first few songs, alleviated only slightly by the jazzy "She Is" and the seeming rebuke to her ex, John Martyn, "Lady on the Rampage."