[kirch]

Tons of great stuff out there panned by the press/critics.  I always hit a couple sites like cduniverse or amazon and listen a bit first for my initial impression, unless I'm already enamored with the artist.  Not that 30 seconds of a cut is enough to judge the entire song, but you do get something to go on.

I've always like Lucinda's "rode hard and put away wet" persona, and I like her voice.  Seen here once in a small venue and she was great.

[SWG255]

I've listened to the re-mastered "Car Wheels" and directly compared it to the original and I did not hear that the re-mastered disc is too bright. It is another case of an excellent job by the folks at Rhino, cleaning up an earlier recording to show more of what was in the sessions. Of course, whether one finds it too bright depends on one's system, but I didn't find it so. The re-mastered disc is a bit punchier, with better imaging and better definition.

BTW, the accompanying live disc is excellent, with a similar play list as on Lucinda's very fine Austin City Limits music DVD.

I've also ordered "West" and will report on my  thoughts after I've given it a listen or two.

[toobluvr]

I don't know about the bad reviews, but I have "West" and it is excellent and extremely satisfying.
$9.99 at Amazon...not an expensive risk for those unsure or on the fence.

Can't wait to see her next month at Radio City Music Hall....front row, first balcony.
I've seen her twice in small to medium NYC clubs.  She is a true pro, her band is very tight, and both shows were excellent.....despite a few false starts attributable to her widely reported stage fright.