Karen Elson – The Ghost Who Walks (LP)

Although currently most well-known for her renowned career as a supermodel, Karen Elson has a history in music. Elson’s foray into the music world began as a teenager in Manchester, where she sang in a salsa band. Years later, Elson became a founding member of the New York cabaret troupe The Citizens Band, contributed backing vocals to Robert Plant, and performed a duet with Cat Power on the 2006 Serge Gainsbourg tribute album Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited. Already an established musician, The Ghost Who Walks is the former supermodel’s formal debut as a singer-songwriter.
Elson’s voice has matured into something more alluring since her previous efforts and complements her songs of Americana. Despite being born in Oldham, England, Elson’s vocals sound essentially American: charming but haunting, and with a touch of country twang. Perhaps it is the perspective of a relative outsider having lived in Nashville for the past five years that makes The Ghost Who Walks all the more intriguing.