On the Way Down From the Moon Palace

Although it hardly qualifies as juvenilia, this reissue of Lisa Germano's first album provides a nice snapshot of an artist's earliest stylistic impulses. Respected in the music business as a talented accompanist to John Mellencamp, among others, Germano is loved, however, for haunting solo albums that showcase her sensual voice, delicate songwriting, and uncanny musical aptitude. The songs on Moon Palace are mainly dark reflections on hard-luck love. Interspersed are gentle and melodious instrumentals that highlight her expert violin playing. "Riding My Bike" eerily chronicles a child's encounter with sinister danger. "Dig My Own Grave" is a rambling, electric blues number that is as lyrically self-effacing as it is rocking. "Bye Bye Little Doggie" contrasts the gentle brush of acoustic guitar with menacing mandolin and violin. Germano refers to herself in the credits as "the emotional wench"; judging by her lyrics, it's an accurate self-description. Her moodiness, however, resonates musically. --Lois Maffeo