Recorded primarily in New Orleans with Hal Willner, Horses and High Heels is a spellbinding record, filled with songs that track the course of time. The album begins with the Gutter Twins’ “Stations” and its dark heart is given perfect voice by Faithfull’s whiskey and nicotine growl. She’s never been one to shy from a challenge and she pursues the grace of R&B with a team of New Orleans veterans for Allen Toussaint’s “Back In Baby’s Arms” that cracks open with a lean toughness. R. B. Morris’ “That’s How Every Empire Falls” floats with a mournful undertow. Carole King’s “Goin’ Back” casts another impressive shadow in Faithfull’s catalog of watching the years pass. Her own sparkling original, “Why Did We Have to Part,” has a tight, modern sound with Faithfull’s voice in dry focus. Guests such as Lou Reed, Dr. John and the MC5’s Wayne Kramer pay their respects. But no one can upstage Faithfull. Her voice and the wisdom of her phrasings put her at center stage.