Editorial Review

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Reviews (42)

I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
To borrow a phrase from the genius of Brian Wilson, "I just wasn't made for these times," or perhaps a better self-assessment would be that I am just too old to comprehend this modern folk or whatever label one attaches to Ani's music. In my opinion, her playing and singing are pretty cool...it's the material that I am having difficulty appreciating. For the value of marketing, I'm a 52 year-old guy who was exposed to arguably the best music of all times during the 60's, as diverse as The Beatles vs. the Monkees or Simon and Grafunkel vs. Chad and Jeremy. Many reading this might not understand those comparisons. With all due respect to readers who do not, my point is that as distinct as those artists were from each other and as timeless as they have become, they all had one thing in common - the indisputable talent to create melody, an artform often missing in today's world of music. Not only were they credible songwriters, they went over the top with creating indelible compositions, even though many have been overplayed. In my opinion, some new artists are mssing the point of music, which is to create timelessness. Isn't that why recordings are made? I will have a very difficult time listening to Ani's Building and Bridges vs. Paul Simon's Bridge Over Troubled Water, no mater how overplayed Simon's classic has become. Simon's piece still has an important component that Ani's pieces are lacking, meolody or tune. O.k, granted, Ani's songs might have a cool aspect to them, with the riffs and Ani's scat singing, but after a few listenings they start sounding petentious and her music begins to make me nervous. I am not into music that does not deliver on strong melody. Even, Lennon's "Happiness is a Warm Gun" and "I Am the Walrus," which were very alternative - decades before the term was ever used - were cool because they had distinctive melodies even though they may have been considered weird at the time. What I hear in Ani's tunes are three-note wonders that simply bore me to tears. It is a terrible waste of talent because if she were to perfect a great melody throughout, her cool voice might be used to its full potential in a timless track. I am just not into these melodiless new acts. I do not know what is inspiring these artists and don't get it. Perhpas that is where my age comes in. I just don't like songs that I perceive to be trying too hard to be cool without any substance behind them. I hear this music by many new artists, which regrettably keeps me buying old discs by C,S,N&Y, The Stones, Joni Mitchell and other incredible music makers from the 60's and 70's. In my opinion, when Lennon died, music died with him. Nothing about cuts, (tracks, sides, whatever lingo one wishes to use) arranged and recorded unplugged, acoustic or hip can make bad songs relevant. I've heard this before by major and indy artists. Sorry, Ani! Kind of a cool voice, but over-singing without firm direction of where the song or voice are headed is unenjoyable to these writer's ears.

My least favorite (overall) early Ani album
This is the only early Ani album where I feel like the review I am writing now will be quite different than it would have been had I written it years ago during my initial exposures to it. This is the early Ani album that has held up the least over the years, in my opinion. As is the case with many of Ani's albums, this one has some of her best tunes ever. Performance-wise though, there is something about this album that doesn't hold me as much as her other early ones still do.
Right on target!
Out of Range is an exercise in musical, lyrical, and vocal subtlety by Ani DiFranco.By the time she announces in track 5 that her reference to "two tree limbs" is "a metaphor, if you know what I mean", you've already been drawn into a subliminal lyrical journey quite nicely; the songs are about real life without gloss.The music is pure delight, with sparse acoustic guitar accompaniment dominating many of the songs -- she sometimes resorts to gently plucking the notes of the same chord repeatedly, but deftly avoids becoming monotonous and dull-sounding when she does this.Her simple acoustic moments work perfectly in setting up the explosive moments of electric-guitar playing (and horn playing on one track) that pepper the CD. The lady sings slow ballads and fast rockers with a youthful-McCartney-like adeptness.She is superb.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Anti-Folk    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Urban Folk   

Reviews (19)

Work in progress
Don't get me wrong--I love Williams' music and this is not a bad album, but it definitely doesn't sound as though she had grown into her musical self yet.The music is fine technically but she sounds as though she's trying it on and hasn't found the right fit."A" for effort and a learning experience, though.

I find it odd...
...that several reviewers who seem to hate blues and folk music, who find them boring or worthless as genres, have tried to drag down the rating of this priceless early work in Williams' career. Yet this album is a delight in every respect, from the choice of songs to their spare, honest presentation, and it's especially worthy as a showcase for the artist's roots. Give it a try!

Genuine, exceptional CD!
Recorded in the late 70s, this is an excellent Blues-based album with a shot of traditionals. Lucinda does a phenomenal job with her acoustic guitar and a dobro at times, it's simple and pure -- no fancy arrangements. It's like the girl with a guitar joined at times by some fellow musicians in the living room and/or on the porch of a cozy home somewhere in the deep South -- even sounds like a nice evening around the camp fire. Great Americana! Her voice had already the edge on this CD which Lucinda fans have gotten to appreciate and treasure over the many years she has been around in the music scene. On this CD she also does "Little Darling Pal of Mine" as well as an excellent version of "Jamabalaya" and of all things the sweet "Great Speckled Bird" and "You're Gonna Need that Pure Religion."
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Alternative Folk    4. Country & Western    5. Folk-Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (2)

Dorky Yes, but Unquestionably Great
I've discovered Kimya Dawson only a few months back, having heard "Caving In" and "I Like Giants" on a local station. I confess to being baffled at first by her sing-song delivery and her overly earnest themes, but I'm always on the lookout for someone with a different approach to music and her songs certainly catch the ear. After a few more chance encounters, I picked up the album and was quickly won over by her enthusiam and unique sound. The songs on 'Remember That I Love You' may at first remind you of the dorky girl you went to church camp with who played campfire guitar; but it would be misleading to say the charm of this album is only its unassuming sound. After a number of listens I have found myself filled with considerable admiration for Kimya's arrangements, in their colorfullness and spareness. They are perfect little origami songs with everything in place in just the right proportion. Folksy and idiosyncratic, but quite fun and sometimes quite moving (the song "12/26" is an example). I can think of a number of rather more famous bands who could benefit from listening to this album and dissecting what Kimya has done here. Who knows where her ideas come from, but she's on to something. No question about it.
Continues the legacy of Hidden Vagenda
Kimya Dawson's second album for K Records continues the legacy displayed to such great effect on its critically acclaimed predecessor, Hidden Vagenda. Two of its songs were previously released on a self-titled EP with Matty Pop Chart. With some of the most engaging and genuinely emotional songwriting available, Remember That I Love You is the kind of album that you listen to with a group of friends, or with people who will soon become your friends. When you listen to it alone, it will simply remind you that you, indeed, are loved.
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Subjects:  1. Anti-Folk    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Indie Rock    4. Lo-Fi    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Ani DiFranco was a star from the get-go. It just took the world a little while to catch on to that fact. In 1990, folksingers didn't shave their heads, wear nose rings, or sing about the feelings in their jeans, but DiFranco did. Her bracing, punky stance hit just as hard on her debut as it does now--perhaps even more so, due to its freshness and DiFranco's uncompromising solo acoustic attack. These songs, all delivered with an absorbing passion and a palpable conviction, are the bedrock of her soaring career. Some, like the fantastic and challenging "Both Hands," still pop up in concert. Read more

Reviews (37)

Ani's First...and it's just as amazing as all the others
Bare bones Ani and her guitar with songs you'll recognize from live albums or some of the bootlegs.This is a great album which really showcases Ani at her no-frills best. A must-have for any Ani fan.

Great Ani album for beginners and classic for the rest
The raw emotion, great lyrics, and intuitive gutiar play makes the feeling of being a new adult in a crap NYC apartment just as close as your speakers.This may sound bad, but it doesnt hurt for music making, and you dont have to put up with the shooting sounds at night. :)Ani kindly leads us through a young woman's life on her own:relationships, jobs, politics.At the end, leaving a great album.Personally, this will never leave my collection.

You all probably think I'm an idiot, but ...........
I'm 11 years old and I love Ani Difranco music. I have all of her albums. Yes, some to of the songs are inapropriate. I don't care! I love everything about Ani Difranco music. I love her voice; I love the melodies; most of all, I love the lyrics. Ani Difranco is so honest that you CAN ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND THE LYRICS. She is amazing!
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Anti-Folk    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Urban Folk   

Editorial Review

Adult album rock with a capital AAA, this District of Columbia quartet sports eight previous albums, a swarm of "Edheads" and a name derived from a member of a nineties California punk band (Ed "eDfROMOHIO" Crawford of fIREHOSE). And after 13 years as a regional darling, it now it has a record for the masses thanks to producer Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks, Robert Earl Keen), who belies the band’s habitual preparedness for a spontaneous, electrified and nearly live cadence on this hour-long effort. Julie Murphy Wells may be the recognizable voice of Eddie’s merging of bluegrass, folk, and acoustic pop, but guitarist Michael Clem stars at the mic on "No Pain, No Gain," led by Maines’ mandolin and dobro precision, and as a cosmopolitan Leon Redbone on the bluesy "Fifty Pounds." With intellect, wit and an affinity for reflection on real life endeavors, Read more

Reviews (10)

Eddie, Where Have You Been All of My Life?!
I am not one to give out 5 stars lightly. But EFO has been my greatest "discovery" in a long time. I'm thinking: 'Donna the Buffalo' (DTB), but much less amplified. Based in solid acoustic settings Eddie can nevertheless plug in on occasion with similar success. Solid playing; solid vocals; great hooks - what's not to like? Now I've got to check out the rest of their repertoire!

Best band you never heard of
As great as this and their other CD's are, you can't fully appreciate EFO until you see them in person. Buy this CD and go see them in concert. You'll be an Edhead too.

This is all Lloyd Maines' fault
I've been thinking about this review since I bought the CD three months ago, debating internally exactly what's wrong with the newest album from my favorite group. I have been in love with EFO's wit, music, Julie's voice, and the harmonies for the past 6 years, ever since "Looking Out the Fishbowl", and have purchased each album immediately after its release.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Reviews (5)

Finally, Black Ships arrive..
Current 93 seem to be getting quite a bit of attention lately with this new album (and with good reason too!).
the finnished idea
In my own expierience it has always seemed that current 93 although twenty years in the running was an unfinnished work. A progressive and illusive band in the depths of a seeming adolescence with momentary hints of utter brilliance and ignobled truths but whether your a hardcore fan or not it is commonly excepted that current 93 tends to be a hit and miss band. Well 24 years later we have seen david tibets work much like that in porportion to the growth of a human being, come fully fleshed into adult hood. This is not as to say that current 93 was not already majestic and to be respected but this is definately his/ their fullest work. It reaches heights that no other album on the face of the planet has reached in terms of it's timelessness. It sounds orphaned to any paticular time setting. It rests in the arms of a "Hallucinatory Partipassionist Christ" and only emenates a warmth that lies with in a secret place within us all. OUr faith in that which is beyond us, what ever it maybe. It lies with in our subconscious acknowledgement and solice in the fleeting. The arms of death and the hands we hold between them.

in the running to be the greatest Current 93 record
Current 93's David Tibet is an apocalyptic poet in the truest definition, as his work hinges upon his obsessive desire to transcribe and translate the revelations, visions, nightmares, and dreams that have come to him over the past two decades. The apocalyptic genres of art have come to define the possibilities of how the world as we know it might come to an end (e.g. astrophysical disasters, nuclear war, zombies, fire-ants, etc.); however, in the earliest manifestations of apocalyptic art, it was simply the chronicling of revelations given from the heavens to man below. Throughout his numerous recordings in Current 93, Tibet has embodied the whole apocalyptic tradition, all the while strengthening his admittedly heretical belief in a Patripassianist Christ, who suffers beyond the crucifixion of Jesus throughout the aeons until his second coming (this is but a brief synopsis of Tibet's complicated, Gnostic, and poetic theology).
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Subjects:  1. Acid Folk    2. Album Rock    3. Anti-Folk    4. England    5. Experimental    6. Neo-Traditional Folk    7. Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

After the higher polish production values of Read more

Reviews (30)

to the stars....
Erin Mckeown's references to Judy Garland are a little more understated in this album than the last (grand), yet they are still there if you listen close!It also took me a little longer to get into this one than the last but, overall, I think I like it even more.The lyrics, for the most part, seem more introspective and sanguine, and the melodies are as wonderful as ever!The last track 'You were right about everything' is my favorite.

Just good tunz.
great album with mix of well-written tunz. Could listen to White City on repeat for my whole commute. Lots of fun and a unique voice.

High Concept
Erin McKeown's remarkable "We Will Become Like Birds" is a concept album, of sorts. And the concept is flight.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Few vocalists equal the expressive subtlety of Beth Orton, whose fourth album is both her most musically spare and artistically complex to date. Not only does the production and backing by Jim O'Rourke (known for his work with Sonic Youth and Wilco) capture Orton's vocal style at its most unstudied and unvarnished, the lack of embellishment focuses all the more attention on her songwriting. From the jazzy phrasing on the deceptively jaunty "Worms" through the haunting "Feral" and the amazing grace of the closing, hymnlike "Pieces of Sky," Orton's songs give voice to the sort of knotty, prickly emotions that are as hard to define as they are deeply felt. Most of the musical dynamic features piano or guitar over an elemental, insistent rhythm section, making the coloring of an occasional string section ("Conceived"), harmonica ("Absinthe"), or accordion ("Safe in Your Arms") all the more striking. As an indication of the emotional range of this musical minimalism, the title cut is soothing enough to please fans of Norah Jones, while "Heartlandstruckstop" is as edgy as Patti Smith. Read more

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Reviews (5)

bonus disc = worth the extra dollars
if you're trying to decide whether to shell out the extra five dollars for the bonus cd, i'd like to convince you that it is worth it.
the best unknown artist you will find
Beth Orton has a quality to her music that is not always immediately apparent upon first listening.Her songs, if given the chance, get inside of you and almost always find a permenant place there.Her voice, both in her vocal delivery and in her lyrics, have a beautiful, incomparable quality, wonderfully musical and poetic, if often difficult to understand -- obviously, deeply personal, yet ambiguous enough that the listener (as with any great art) can find their own personal meaning therewithin.
Beth Goes Retro
Having loved the bassy beat-driven Daybreaker, Beth goes back to her Central Reservation roots with a more acoustic and "earthy" sounding album. Her voice still plays wonderfully amidst the poppy, Carole King-esque, guitar tunes. I have yet to find a heartstring tugger on this album, but I am sure in time one will emerge. Check out the music video for the first single as well. It is a good summarization of what you can expect on the album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Some 15 years and nearly as many albums into her career, Ani DiFranco--the original girl-power prophet and folkie punk--is still as willful as ever. Her lyrics remain poetic, polemical, and yes, occasionally maudlin; her musical explorations sound more like refinement than radical revision, but it's clear that she's still, well, evolving. Always a strikingly gifted and expressive singer and guitarist who employs her voice and guitar as both rhythmic and melodic instruments, DiFranco builds this set of songs on those basics but draws generously from the wide range of styles she's sampled since her stripped-down early days. A slinky Latin guitar line snakes through "Promised Land," gutsy New Orleans brass adds swagger to "In the Way," and jazzy keys, cool clarinets, and mournful muted trumpets lend color and tone to nearly every cut. Hooks are scarce in the disc's mushy middle, but the lush, horn-laden groove of "Here for Now" recaptures the momentum, and DiFranco even drops a signature 10-minute epic in "Serpentine." Like Read more

Reviews (77)

Hmmm...
I've had this album for several weeks, and I'm still not sure of my stance on it. I've listened to it about eight times, and I really think I don't like it. I want to like it, but I just feel that it's not the best than ani can produce. I know she has better. I think this album might be the product of so many releases... (26 albums and 3 EPs in 16 years? Ani, you might be overworking yourself. But then again, I know nothing) Anyway. I love it, because it's part of my never-ending ani difranco collection, but like I said, just not to ani's caliber.

The Worst!
I started listening to Ani in 1996.I immediately loved her music.The first song I heard was "Gratitude" followed by "Untouchable Face".I own all of her albums, excluding the spoken word ones, "Knuckle Down", and "Educated Guess".Ani was my very favorite musician from 1996 to 2003.I saw her in concert numerous times.She is an exceptional lyricist, and though some find her music to be harsh and her voice unappealing, I love her singing and instrumentals also.I loved every album that she released up to this one, including "Reveling/Reckoning," which some of her older fans didn't like.
At least she's consistent.....
As is the case with most Ani albums in my opinion she's got a couple jems on there and that's about it.This album didn't even have many gems the one song that stood out (And really held it's ground.)Was the song Evolve itself.That tunes was almost worth the $18, and there are a couple other tunes that aren't bad but then the rest of it as is the case with all of her other albums is kinda bland. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (67)

Mystery White Boy
I was really excited when i bought this as I have both grace and live at sin-é but this was very dissapointing. 'Dream Brother' and 'Mojo Pin' are good but i found 'Hallelujah' pretty poor. He sings in this wierd tone like he's had anaesthetic injected into his mouth. Don't get me wrong, I'm as big a Buckley fan as anyone but steer clear of this, by far not his best live performances.

Another tantalizing glimpse of a true artist in his prime.
I can't believe how many bad reviews there are up here for this album! Absolutely mortifying!The opening track weaves a spell over me ever time I listen to it, the chorus, and especially the last part are so much better than on Grace, it's asounding.I enjoy this entire album, every track, and if you're a jeff buckley fan, and even if you're not, this a beautiful album you should not miss."Moodswing Whiskey" is an intoxicating song that builds into something greater than you wouuld have thought, the version of Halleleuja on here is simply fantastic, any, anyway, this is the first amazon review I've written, but after seeing all the bad reviews for this album, I just had to say something!

Compressed dynamics, dubious instrumental placement, ...
... but, if nothing else, the version of "Eternal Life" here is to these ears even better than on Grace. Simply put, here it's the best piece of speed funk Jane's Addiction never recorded! That alone should justify the purchase price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

If you need something to pump you up for the upcoming second edition of Sarah McLachlan's all-female touring festival, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (36)

Some great tracks, but disappointing overall
I bought this after hearing great reports about the Lilith Fair.This CD, however, does not match up with those reports.CD #1 is blah until Susanna Hoff's "Eternal Flame" and Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery".CD #2 is an improvement, beginning with the outstanding "Water is Wide".The rest of CD #2 pales in comparison, though.If you have access to online music source, just download those 3 tracks and forget the rest.

Lilith Fair Live
This recording was recommended by a friend and it would be true to say that there are some exceptional duets on the CD that make it worth while. It is a celebration of women in music and because of that there are some bands that I had not heard of before. Whilst it is good to expose people to different bands some of the musicians/songs were not 'my cup of tea' (so I consequently hit the forward button), but you never know they may grow on me. Overall I due enjoy this CD and certainly enjoy the majority of the songs.

ok but
this band is ok, but for good music check out Jean Luc-Ponty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 90's    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Alternative Folk    4. Alternative Pop/Rock    5. College Rock    6. Contemporary Folk    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop Collections    11. Singer/Songwriter    12. V/a Compilations   

Features

• CD-single
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Reviews (5)

BUY THIS EP!
I heard "Your cover's blown" on college radio and just had to find out who it was.I was floored by that song.Many, many listens later, I still feel like dancing every time I hear it.

short but sweet
This record has great songs, only too few! the video is very enjoyable. i recommend it highly.

so i finally like belle and sebastian
i've never been a huge fan of belle and sebastian.i was reading pitchforkmedia's reviews of their eps (and i normally don't agree with pitchforkmedia), and on the offchance, i picked up the 'books' ep.wow.i remember buying 'if you're feeling sinister' and not liking it very much.i may have been too young to appreciate it.i'm not sure since i've not heard it lately.but anyway, 'books.'it's an outstanding ep.this is more like 4-and-a-half stars though.the song 'your cover's blown' gets 5 stars alone, but the ep loses half a point because the other songs (as great as they are) don't come anywhere close to 'your cover's blown.'you will not be disappointed....unless you are.i can't really help that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Chamber Pop    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. Twee Pop   

Editorial Review

1959's self-released Read more

Reviews (8)

One of Fahey's best
This album is great and should be a must for those who like more traditional Fahey.i myself love all of his stuff, yes even Womblife and City of Refuge."On the sunny Side of the Ocean" might be my favorite Fahey composition ever and the album is worth buying for that alone.IF YOU LIKE OR PLAY THE ACCOUSTIC GUITAR YOU MUST OWN THIS ALBUM!

One of the best Acoustic Guitar cds I have ever heard
I put off buying a John Fahey cd for a long time, and choose this one because of the title. This is a different John Fahey than the one I saw in concert at a record store in Austin in 1999 or 2000. When I saw him, he played electric guitar in a very minimalistic style. He did no fingerpicking or old time music at all. I find this cd very restful and it gives me a feeling like finding an old photo album from 100 years ago at a country thrift store and looking at the yellowed and faded photos of men with strange facial hair and women in corsets.
For Guitarists and Acoustic Lovers Alike
I've played guitar for 30+ years, and I was exposed to John Fahey very early on. His "Blind Joe Death" album (along with Ry Cooder's early albums) changed the way I looked at technique and tone. They made we want to find similarly obscure (if not weird) tunes and bring a personal touch to them.If you're not a guitarist, you're still going to love this very excellent album (though I'm not a big fan of Track 1). Fahey equally rewards both the casual and the careful listener.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Finger-Picked Guitar    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Folk-Blues    6. Folk-Jazz    7. Guitar    8. Neo-Traditional Folk    9. Pop    10. Progressive Folk    11. Traditional Folk   

Editorial Review

Getting a fix on Jonatha Brooke's music has never been easy, and her 2001 effort further complicates the task. As a solo artist, Brooke has teased fans with genre-gobbling pastiche (Read more

Reviews (37)

rebuttal to love frog mindy
it really is amusing how some folks talk about artists like flavors of ice cream.what is so wrong about love frog mindy's review here is that she forgot to check her ego at the door.she calls jonatha brooke's vocals, whinney.i believe it would be more of a singing technique.you know, kind of adds dramatic effect to lyrics.if she wants to hear full-out bird chirps, listen to mariah carey.
Falling In
Jonatha Brooke's music reminds me of a virgin version of Ani Difranco, both sharing that unique "whinney" sound... Some one wrote in another review that her high notes where sharp and shrill.I wouldn't say shrill. "Whinney".But Jonatha's voice also reminds me of an impressionist at times of Sinead O'Connor.The tones, thekey changes, all very light yet over flowing.She is much better singing lower toned as well as slower paced music for her voice.The higher the note.. her voice breaks into nothing but air, not a full sound.If she wants to be the next Brittney ..keep on with the airy sound.. if not.. follow your low tones... Lows also tend to feed on the emotion more. Overall, shes got one hell of a voice, she just needs some polishing....

Perfection of voice and sexy of soul
Is there anyone greater in songwriting and singing than Jonatha Brooke?? NO...She is the finest talent able to be heard in todays's music...If you haven't heard this CD or her past you are missing music perfection flowing through the body and soul of the pretties artist on the planet... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Folk-Pop    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

With Read more

Reviews (17)

If you like Mason Jennings, ...
I bought it specifically for the song "Lemon Grove Avenue" and am happy with it on that basis.Mr. Jennings has a number of CDs available and, I'm sure, a very devout following.I like his songs and playing but his style of singing (sliding across notes) does get to me after awhile.That said,the CD was still a good decision and I'm very happy to have it.:)

AClassic....!
I'm always impressed with Jennings ability to capture human emotions in his songs.Overall,this album is very good, and won't be leaving my CD player for a very long time, and I hope it gets some time in yours too. It reminds me of Tim Kirker's .."Like Distant Sounds" album clean, honest and a must have for any music collection.

This is an amazing work
Yeah if you go and read some of Mason's interviews, the reason it is slightly out of tune is cause he said he wanted to get the feel of Bob Dylan's "blood on the tracks", record. I think he did a great job. I tottally got that feeling. Also if you listen to the last song I think it's called "ulysses" it tottally has the feel of a Jack Kerouac book, it seriously gives you chills if you listen to every word. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Bill Callahan is one of a number of performers who present their work under the banner of a band name. It's generally just him, other times with various cohorts along. This set is given added punch and sparkle by the quietly incessant rhythms of drummer Jim White (his rolling foundation for "The Well" sounds like a cowboy gallop across the prairie). Also, it's great to hear acoustic guitars being utilized for music not tied to just folk traditions. Callahan's songs are slices of Americana at its finest--from the Yankee transcendentalism of New England forefathers to the sweep of westward expansion and the chokehold of loss and longing. The first song's opening words are "winter weather" and the closing number's final phrase is "thinking of the future." In between lies just about anything you need. Read more

Reviews (16)

Buy this album.
I love Smog. Smog is original to himself and has a sort of unpretentious tenderness that only he can get away with. His voice is different and even when being simple he is complex. makes you feel the isolation and tenderness of life. life. generally speaking. starts off with palimpsest- a song that makes you feel like we do understand eachother. " why is everybody looking at me like there's something fundamentally wrong. like I'm a southern bird, that went north to long. with winter exposes the nests and I'm gone." not to make this review into some piece to listen the emotions of this album. But I feel like Smog expresses something that no one else can. Using simple melodies Smog can still keep a song interesting. unique voice. touches a dark warm spot. sult innocent introspection. rock bottom riser, rock bottom riser, and say valley maker best songs. a humanship that we understand when we search. lively humbleness and realization. raw yet together thoughts, like someone self assured is speaking from the heart. in touch with nature album. truly amazing.

Hey, this is like Sparklehorse. BUT GOOD!
Heard one of Smog's tracks on a free magazine disc years ago, and without the tracklisting have been hunting like an obsessive since for the artist. When I found out who it was I bought a couple of albums at random (never a good way to do things, I know). However I was pleasantly surprised. Callahan delivers his stoner lyrics with ease and is perfectly accompanied by simple melodies. 'The Well' is a fantastic example from this album - addictive and in the same vein as Peter Hamell's music (listen to it and then put on 'Uncle Morris').
river deep
'a river ain't too much' is the kind of album that creeps up on you. At first it seems that there's not much to it. Simple strummed guitar parts, dead pan delivery, the mood is low key, rather than lo fi. After a few plays this changes and you realize this is the closest you'll get to johnny cash now he's no longer with us. The songs feel personal and revealing. And though the overall mood is some what melancholic, there's no little humor there too.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Indie Rock    3. Lo-Fi    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Sadcore    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (19)

A Gem
I first heard of Turin Brakes from a O.C. soundtrack album, and decided to look for their cd. This album is a classic.At the end of the cd, the last track Rain City, if you listen to the last song and let it play to about 12 minutes, a bonus song plays, it's awesome.

undeniably a classic
fantastic.exquisite chilling music which i hav no doubt will depending on your mood either make you gloriously happy, or if deppressed make you reach for the nearest weapon to end it all!!!

Ether soft
Turin Brakes is one of those excellent British bands that hasn't gotten much attention in the American mainstream yet, along with the guys in South, Elbow and Mercury Rev. And after their shimmery space-folk album "Ether Song," their second, we can see that this is totally undeserved.