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Candye Kane: The Toughest Girl Alive

By Ed Kopp
November 1, 2000
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With song titles like "Let's Commit Adultery" and "(Hey Mister!) She Was My Baby Last Night," Candye Kane is not exactly subtle in her bisexuality. A porn star turned jump-blues mama, the healthy Ms. Kane is best known for playing piano with her breasts - a feat not taught in most music schools.

It might be easy to dismiss Candye Kane as a brazen novelty act, but the girl is so passionate about her decadent philosophy and so lusty a singer that it's difficult to resist her charms. On her latest biscuit, Kane teams with some top-flight musicians, including roots star Dave Alvin (guitar), Texas blues luminary Marcia Ball (piano), and veteran blues bassist Larry Taylor. The tunes are a catchy, well-played mix of R&B, swing and rockabilly. They're also very horny — in two senses of the word. Most seem innocent enough until you pay attention to the lyrics, which are naughty enough to make a pimp blush. Best tracks include "Who Walks In When I Walk Out" and "Who Do You Love?"

Track Listing

I'm the Toughest Girl Alive; Who Do You Love?; One More Day (Without Your Love); For Your Love; Didn't We; Who Walks in When I Walk Out; To See a Grown Man Cry; (Hey Mister!) She Was My Baby Last Night; Je N'En Peux Plus Sans Ma Cadillac; Let's Commit Adultery; Highway of Tears; Get Happy; Scream in the Night

Personnel

Candye Kane (vocals); Jeff Ross (guitars, dobro); Steve Wilcox, Dave Alvin, Marco Fiume (guitar); Lisa Otey, Nina Goldin, Marcia Ball (piano, backup vocals); Joey Vee (drums, tambourine, backup vocals); Larry Taylor (acoustic bass); Greg Willis (electric bass); Scott Billington (percussion); Wendy Fraser, Carole Prop, Earl Thomas (backup vocals); Robbie Smith (trumpet, backup vocals); Bob Mathes (tenor saxophone); Troy Jennings (baritone sax); April West (trombone); Andy Paley (marimba)

Album information

Title: The Toughest Girl Alive | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Rounder Records

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