RUFF

There’s something about a woman rocker who isn’t afraid to let the guitar rip that does it for me. Masterfully arranged riffs and pounding percussion are sure signs that the artist isn’t a wannabe pretty-pop-princess-entertainer, but is someone who reveres her art. Add narrative lyrics delivered in a throbbing, soulful voice – think Bonnie Raitt or the Detroit Cobras’ Rachel Nagy – and you understand why Love To Beg, the new release from Dana Fuchs should be a must-buy. From the powerful title track to the slower but just as powerful “Set It on Fire,” Fuchs and her longtime collaborator Jon Diamond present 13 Harry Winston jewelry-quality songs – sparkling and lovingly crafted. She may not be Patti Smith, but Dana Fuchs’ music would likely do the queen of punk proud.