Thalia Zedek has charted a singular course through rock history virtually unnoticed by critics and listeners alike. Whereas each new Nick Cave release has the critics feverishly reaching for the Vaseline, Zedek"s band through the "90s, Come, released a string of classic albums that were almost universally ignored. Her work in the "80s--with Dangerous Birds, Uzi, and later fronting Live Skull fared even worse. Been Here and Gone is Zedek"s first solo effort, and it delivers. Her vision of what is the blues is perfectly presented on songs such as "Excommunications" and "Temporary Guest," but this is the blues like Leonard Cohen (whom Zedek covers here) and Bob Dylan are the blues--the feeling not the form. On "Strong," Zedek opens with "You"re going to hell / you"re gonna be living with yourself." Strong stuff indeed, but delivered in a tone more measured than maniacal and the effect is sharper for it. Zedek doesn"t go in for posturing, this is the real deal and not for the weak of heart, yet those who make this journey with her are greatly rewarded by the music. Without a doubt, Been Here and Gone is among the best albums released in 2001. --Mike Johnson