"Sweet Ride" is one of my favourite Belly songs; and, as much as I like the original recording (a b-side), Tanya Donelly's solo unplugged version on one of the KCRW 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' cds is even better, even more plaintive and wavering and bittersweet. Now, there's something of that latter to Whiskey Tango Ghosts which, unlike the electrified rush of Donelly's previous solo albums, extremely stripped-back (sometimes even approaching the spareness of fellow ex-Muse Kristin Hersh's individual work) and slowed down.
It makes for interesting listening - the glorious hooks are still there, and not so dissimilar from previous Donelly/Belly, but because her characteristic instrumental sound is no longer present, it all comes across quite differently. And, the initial surprise at the direction the album evinces having passed, I'm liking it plenty.
