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In 1989, while traveling with a Kansas-based Christian ministry called Choice Lifestyle, Christian singer-songwriter Rich Mullins joined us for part of our tour of the Mid-Atlantic states and New England. It was the same year that the Indigo Girls had released their self-titled debut on Epic and Rich, a fan of acoustic guitars, great melodies and harmonies and thoughtful lyrics was raving about the duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray and their positive message. 

Many of us in the group had heard "Closer to Fine" and as we docked in Burlington, Vermont after taking a ferry across Lake Champlain from New York State, a bunch of us headed to a cool record store in downtown Burlington. 

We found that album and for the rest of the trip we learned all those great songs -- "Kid Fears," "Land of Canaan," "Prince of Darkness"  -- and I became an instant fan, eventually writing a positive review of the album in the East High Messenger that fall. 

Nearly 15 years later I am still a huge fan of the Indigo Girls and their songs and just last month they released one of their best records yet -- "All That We Let In." 

For longtime fan, this will most likely be viewed as a return to the sound honed in their '80's-era bar and coffeehouse days. But that doesn't mean it's a neo-bohemian throwback to the Reagan-Bush era. Rather, the record incorporates their classic soun -- gorgeous harmonies, chiming guitars, a little organ and sensible percussion -- while adding new angles to their vision, a little ska here, a little bared soul there. It all fits like a comfy old cardigan. Just listen to the opening track "Fill It Up Again" and tell me I'm wrong. 

The first single, Ray's "Perfect World," addresses not only relationship issues but social and ecological issues as well. You can always count on the Indigo Girs to incorporate issues pertaining to peace, social justice, the environment and eqaul rights for gays and lesbians. And songs with a message are plentiful here. Ray's excellent songs "Tether" (with Joan Osborne on backing vocals) and "Cordova" work quite well as does Saliers' title track and the upbeat album closer "Rise Up." 

The album is also balanced with songs that celebrate the simple things in life as well as songs of love won and lost. Saliers' "Free In You" and "Come on Home" are fine examples as are Ray's excellent Mellencamp-ish homage to small town life on "Dairy Queen" and the bittersweet ska of "Heartache for Everyone." 

Their band, featuring bassist Clare Kenny, keyboardist Carol Isaacs and drummer Brady Blade also sound more seasoned and cohesive this time out. Practice makes perfect, as they say. 

Nine albums into their stellar career I truly do believe that we are all 'closer to fine,' thanks to the good karma and positive outlook that the Indigo Girls provide. I'm glad Rich Mullins introduced me to the Girls all those years ago. The Earth and its inhabitants should take comfort in knowing Amy and Emily are still doing their thing. 

Andrew West Griffin  3/11/04