This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
WHO SHE IS: Golden-throated vocalist Kelly Hogan, who has sung for indie-rockers like The Jody Grind and Rock*A*Teens, but her true calling seems to be country, going by the way she can effortlessly summon the spirit of Patsy Cline in her gorgeous, supple vocals.
WHAT THIS IS: The grammatically challenged Because it Feel Good is her third and most expressive disc, a classic breakup album anchored by a diverse selection of covers — everything from Randy Newman’s Living Without You to Smog’s Strayed — recast into stark, ethereal ballads.
HIGHLIGHTS: Her haunting rendition of The Statler Brothers’ I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You, the opening track, might be one of the most spine-tingling tunes you’ve heard — until you hear equally sombre tracks like No, Bobby Don’t and Please Don’t Leave Me Lonely.
C&W CRED: There’s more torch than twang here, but last time I checked, heartbreak was pretty damn country.
LAST WORDS: It sound as good as it feel.
