The Bedroom Tapes

Not unlike Joni Mitchell's recent work, The Bedroom Tapes finds Carly Simon facing the modern world with a certain bemusement. She's not as cranky as Mitchell about the things she sees; in fact, she doesn't quite seem to know what to think about such phenomena as the Internet ("Big Dumb Guy"). There's some wit on display here; "We Your Dearest Friends" is a cutting song about social politics, while "Actress" may be a sly acknowledgment of Simon's famous stage fright. Despite her obvious smarts, though, Bedroom has the distinct feel of the work of someone who's going through the motions. Grown-up rock doesn't have to be so staid. --Bob Roget