Songwriter Sarah Dougher covers much ground on her debut album, Day

One, merging personal and political concerns, all without leaving her

Portland, Ore., bedroom. At least that's how it sounds from the record's

intimate, yet inviting songs. What makes Day One so enjoyable,

however, are Dougher's lilting but headstrong melodies,

which course through the album's dozen songs, leaving their mark like the

sweet sting of a spider bite. In other words, don't be surprised if you

wake up in the morning with the tune to "Hold the Bar" (RealAudio excerpt) rattling around your

head.

Dougher taps out her melodies casually, carefully, on guitar and piano and,

of course, with her voice, a strong soprano that's just a little husky,

just a little soft. She's backed by a few friends on drums, guitar and

cello, and by her own rich harmonies. The spare

instrumentation and production leave the focus squarely on Dougher's songs

and her honest presentation.

That's how it should be, because these are thoughtful songs, worthy of

close examination. They have a soft, reflective nature, but a strong-willed

sense of purpose, much like the work of Northwestern compatriots Elliott

Smith and Lois. Dougher's songs talk about moving and the accompanying

loneliness, about love lost and strained by distance, and, on the folksy

"Bella Abzug," about the politics of keeping the fire in your heart as you

age and mesh with society. "He said, 'It's all appropriated and there's

nothing new.' I said, 'I beg to differ and that's Ms. Punk Rock to you,' "

Dougher spits out with venom. But more often, her concerns turn inward.

"Sometimes, I can barely think about it, you left me all alone," she sings

sadly and slowly on "Moving" (RealAudio excerpt), "and sometimes, I can barely think about it,

when you're so far from home." On songs such as "Drunk #1" and "Day One" (RealAudio excerpt)

Dougher addresses addiction in its many forms, but she does so in a way that's neither pedantic nor self-involved. The

focus remains on the art at hand.

If you follow the Northwest indie scene at all, you may have already heard

evidence of Dougher's talents. She plays with the Lookers, Cadallaca (in

which she shares vocal duties with Sleater-Kinney's Corin Tucker), and the

Crabs. She's also got an interesting personal history, writing for Portland

arts weekly Willamette Week, teaching college students (she holds a

PhD in comparative literature) and holding a day job with a non-profit

organization. But what's most notable about Dougher is that she's come into

her own on Day One, which introduces a quietly breathtaking talent.