Butcher Holler (Feat. Eilen Jewell), 'A Tribute to Loretta Lynn'

Boston’s Eilen Jewell has multiple personalities — first with the Eilen Jewell Band, then with side projects the Sacred Shakers (old-timey country gospel) and Butcher Holler, her deft tribute to Loretta Lynn and the subject of this new release. Jewell is no coal miner’s daughter, hence some of Lynn’s gritty power is missing from these shinier, happier cover versions, but it’s still a great album. Jewell simply won’t be denied as she applies her disciple-like adoration to honky-tonk gems “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)’’ and “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man),’’ while also capturing the early feminism of “Fist City.’’ She scores with precision rather than raw emotion, but she scores nonetheless. There’s an irresistible snap to these songs — they’re tight (only one track exceeds three minutes), deliciously twangy (credit guitarist Jerry Miller) and rendered without orchestrated frills. Jewell also made sure to only do songs that Loretta wrote herself, furthering the devotional aura. It’s hard to imagine Southern truckers roaring down the road blasting these tunes instead of Loretta’s, but less grizzled folks should love them. (Out tomorrow) STEVE MORSE