The rest, as they say, isn’t history. How might things have turned out for them, for America, for the world itself, if Hillary Rodham had really turned down Bill Clinton?

Rodham is Curtis Sittenfeld’s sixth novel, echoing her 2008 novel American Wife in which she imagined the life of a first lady like Laura Bush. Full of lively conversation, deep politics, and a lot of sex, it’s a pacy novel that follows the life of a firey woman who could hold her own against anyone in political office.

Sittenfield is clearly a Clinton fan, and whilst you don’t have to be to read the novel, it certainly helps if you have some interest in their life. It begins with the famous speech at her 1969 Wellesley graduation ceremony where Hillary told off the conservative senator who spoke before her, which sets the tone for the energy of the main protagonist. Women in the pubic eye are often held to ludicrously high standards, and the author challenges this at the same time as creating warmth and empathy to a woman who is not at all cold and calculating.

Even though she doesn’t stay with him, and leaves at the first sign of infidelity, Hillary does truly love Bill – and it wasn’t just sexual. ‘I knew plenty of smart people, but I’d never before encountered a person whose intelligence sharpened mine the way his did,’ she says. There’s a certain thrill that comes with seeing her in emotional and domestic settings, so far removed from the reputation that has been built up over the last few years. But she’s also a political powerhouse, and Sittenfeld draws the conclusion that without Hillary Bill’s political career would never have happened.

Most women in the public eye are full of contradictions. Is there any value in imagining an alternate life for them and seeing where those layers take us? Maybe not, but Sittenfield is a good writer and tells a story with emotion and empathy.

How different the world could have been.

Unashamedly classic in style, Stein says ‘I’ll Cry is a musical ode to the all American greats I took my cues from as a budding songwriter. Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline and the work of Phil Spector, all of whom made a significant imprint on my heart, I’m forever channelling that soulful sadness. I’ll Cry is a song that speaks of an impossible love, his resistance, her infatuation. Never a happy ending.’

It manages to be dark and whimsical at the same time, a confident melody underneath brave vocals and a fragile heart. It is all out American, but pokes at the ideal and image. The brief pauses before she interjects with ‘sometimes it gets too crazy’ bring the tune to the modern day, before the gorgeous outro that doesn’t last quite long enough. As if knowing that, just when you thought things were all over, there’s a cheeky strum.

America is released on Nude Records on 28th July, and Stein will be playing these shores in August to coincide with the release.

Ba da da da dum. Wow what an opening, a brass ska riff makes the raspy vocals a surprise. Unlikely to make massive inroads into popular charts, there’s no denying Ray LaMontagne is a talented musician. The kind of song everyone will like, regardless of it not being cool in the slightest.
Ray LaMontagne is fast making a name as New Hampshire’s hottest new export. Not fitting the accepted demographic of hip new things, the bearded family man has a knack for comforting vocals that feel like a cosy blanket, and bouncy beats. An elegant yet fun song, Ray’s voice provides warmth.
It could have done without the female backing singers, but other than that, this is a affirmative soul stomper of a song. The song is more positive than some of his other tortured musings, and could see new fans being won. I just wish he would go back to the day job and make me some shoes as bright and exciting as this – there would sure be a spring in my step.
http://www.clickmusic.com/singles/article/Ray-LaMontagne-You-Are-The-Best-Thing