Album Name: The Summer Storm Journals
Artist: Noe Venable
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I first heard of Noe Venable years ago when she was mentioned on a mailing list of which I am a member. The other members were raving about her and I gave her a listen and pretty much fell under her spell as well.

I have loved both her previous releases, Boots and The World is Bound by Secret Knots. Both of which have been reviewed here (see left nav bar for links).

I saw her perform live a few years ago when she opened for Ani DiFranco. I was amazed at how much sound could come from one woman on guitar and vocals and one man on a bass.

Noe’s songs are ones that make it onto almost every mix CD I make and every “Best of” best I make. These are no different.

We begin this record with a lovely a capella song showing that Noe’s voice is perfect without any instrumentation or distortion. But if you’ve heard her live or her previous releases you know that already.

The instrumentation again is minimal but sounds so lush. I don’t know how she does it, but it’s incredibly dreamy and fantastic.

Many times the ambient, dream music isn’t very melodic, but this is different in that way. The melodies are wonderful. Unexpected yet comforting.

I love this record and as of today it’s in my favorites of the year…which is rapidly approaching its end.

I do hope that this release brings her the attention she so deserves.

Posted on December 26, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 Woods Part of When
2 Prayer For Beauty
3 Sea of Possibility
4 Ice Dragons
5 Into the Wild
6 Onion, One Day
7 Swim With Me
8 Flower in Time
9 Sparrow I Will Fly
10 Fangs of Discipline
11 Ambassador
12 Army of Nows
13 Lion Dreams

[Noe Venable Official Site]

The post Album Review: The Summer Storm Journals by Noe Venable first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: High Society
Artist: The Silver Seas
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent
[Buy at Amazon.com]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

This is really fun poppy music. Complete with hand claps, and lovely harmonies. It’s very rhythmic.

The first song, The Country Life, sounds a lot like Ben Folds to me. Especially when the harmonies kick in. I love Ben Folds so this is good. It’s piano based pop, though there is plenty of other stuff going on as well.

The record is pretty varied though, the songs do not all sound alike. Some even have a bit of a country twang (as on Catch Yer Own Train). But then even that song moves into a retro romp. Reminiscent of the Monkees or the like.

This is feel good music. Some of these songs have already made it onto mix CDs that I keep in my car. Who said the Mix Tape is dead? It’s just called the Mix CD now. I make them for my friends all the time. Whatever, I am a child of the ’70s-’80s, what can I say?

I love this; I wish I had more time to write more. While there isn’t a woman* to be found on this record, it’s definitely still on my best of list for 2007.

Stand outs: The Country Life, Imaginary Girl, We’ll Go Walking…and more….

*I generally review female musicians, but I do get a lot of “Guy” submits and sometimes I damn love ’em, this is one.

Note: I was in New Jersey in April 2008 and I heard The Country Life being played in the lobby. I was bopping along for a full minute before I realized this was one of “my” artists! Talk about random!

Posted on December 26, 2007

Track Listing
1. The Country Life
2. High Society
3. Ms. November
4. Imaginary Girl
5. She Is Gone
6. Catch Yer Own Train
7. Tativille
8. We’ll Go Walking
9. Hard Luck Tom
10. Dream Of Love
11. The Broadway Lights

[The Silver Seas Official Site]

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Album Name: So I Begin
Artist: Rachel VanSlyke
Year/Label: 2007 / TSR Records
[Buy at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

This is Rachel Van Slyke’s debut record and it’s a great start to what I am sure will be a long career in music.

She is a great songwriter, these songs are addictive and catchy but not too mainstream or commonplace. I can imagine them being played on the radio but only on cool stations. There’s a complexity here that you don’t find in your average top 40 songs.

Her style reminds me of Marie Frank especially on track 3, ‘Into Me’. Her vocal tone is different, but the manner is similar. Her voice has a very familiar sound. Not so much that I’ve heard it before, but more that it’s comfortable.

Stand out songs for include: Into Me, Open End, Movin’ On…oh heck, I like them all. This is a fantastic record and I hope to hear more from her in the future. I’m pretty sure this will be on my ‘best of’ list.

Posted on December 22, 2007

Track Listing
1. Movin’ On
2. Never Me
3. Into Me
4. In Between
5. Let You Go
6. Won’t Be Back
7. Open End
8. Weightless
9. The One
10. Carry
11. Push It In Line
12. So I Begin
13. You Think You Know
14. Worlds Apart

[Rachel VanSlyke Official Site]

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Album Name: So Far My Love
Artist: Astrid Chevallier
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Not only is Astrid Chevallier a multi-talented composer, singer and musician, she is also a graphic artist. She designs movie posters. Her artistic talent is evident on her album, both in sound and in the cover art and materials that came with the record.

She is French but sings mostly in English. The music is reminiscent of PJ Harvey’s but also of the more ethereal moody style of someone like Kate Bush.

After Cirque is downright creepy. The string intro with its heavy drum and Björkish vocal track gives me chills. Fantastic. This track along with Pluie she does not sing lyrics but rather just vocalizes. She says “there’s no language I have heard of yet that could really express what I am going through on songs like Pluie and After Cirque“. Indeed. These are beautiful and scary, in a good way of course.

This is an odd but complex and wonderful release.

Posted on December 17, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 Reverse
2 We’re Gonna Dance
3 The World
4 We’re Not Here
5 Interlude
6 Suitcase
7 A Million Miles Away
8 Wake Up
9 After Cirque
10 I Will Wait
11 Running Away
12 Sick and Tired
13 Bug
14 Pluie

[Astrid Chevallier Official Site]

The post Album Review: So Far My Love by Astrid Chevallier first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: Boat with No Oars
Artist: Mary Bue
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I am so familiar with artists from all over the country…all over the world actually. I have reviewed folks in New Zealand, Spain, Israel, and lots of places in between. But with the exception of a couple of wonderful artists (whom I also consider friends) I am not very familiar with what is happening here in Minneapolis, MN. I am always humbled by how little I know about the music right in my own backyard.

So when I opened up the package from Mary Bue and it says she is literally, like, 20 minutes from my house I nearly fell over. Then to also realize this is her 3rd release…well I felt like an idiot. I can feel a little better knowing that she just recently moved here.

Mary Bue couldn’t be more up my musical alley. She’s been compared to Sarah McLachlan, Ben Folds, Neko Case, Carole King and many of my other musical idols.

I can’t say I would necessarily compare her to any of them, personally. But she’s fabulous in her own right.

Her voice is perfect; it’s sweet and strong and has just the right amount of lilt and charm.

The songs are so well written they seem like old friends upon the first listen.

I am loving this.

Posted on December 17, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 Ain’t Nobody
2 No Turning Back
3 Salt and Pepper
4 Gorgeous
5 West Is the West
6 My Sweet Warrior
7 The City Trees
8 Baby I Love You
9 Chocolate and Hawaii
10 Petunias
11 The Retina
12 Suitcase Full of Feathers
13 Waltz
14 Big Mistake
15 Cypress Tree

[Mary Bue Official Site]
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Album Name: Grus Americanus
Artist: Stephanie’s Id
Year/Label: 2007 / Nine Mile Records

[Buy at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

This was sent to me as sort of a fluke. Another artist asked her label to send her own CD to me. The label, knowing what I like, sent this one along with it. I’m so glad. This is a very unique and strange record which of course that means I love it.

The opening song, Wash Us Down With Sea Saline is an attention getter to be sure. With it’s demanding percussion line and up-front vocals. You just have to stand up and notice. It sounds great loud. This song actually reminds me of another artist that’s not well known but should be, Nina Haynes.

She does this almost squeak thing with her voice that reminds me of Björk. She also uses some cool distortion and effects on her voice that make these songs very interesting. They’re also really well written which means she wouldn’t have to have the effects, but they do add so much.

I love the strings on Just Wanna Show Ya.

On Aeroplanes the piano is dominant and it’s lovely. It’s much more soft that most of the other songs which shows she’s not only about effects. But just damn good songwriting and instrumentation.

I really like this record and I’m glad someone had the foresight to send it to me. It’s going in my personal rotation. Put it in yours too!

Posted on November 30, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1. Wash Us Down With Sea Saline
2. Blue
3. Unmistakably Love
4. Cindy
5. Hey Hey Hey (It’s Gonna Be OK)
6. Cold Cold
7. Aeroplanes
8. Ozone
9. Quite Enough
10. Just Wanna Show Ya
11. Bounce

[Stephanie’s Id Official Site] (note: right now this goes to MySpace)

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Album Name: Gileah and the Ghost Train
Artist: Gileah and the Ghost Train
Year/Label: 2007 / Grey Hat Records

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I reviewed Gileah’s solo record, The Golden Planes, awhile back and I loved it. In fact it was one of my top albums of 2006. I expect this one will make my 2007 list as well.

From the opening piano chords on The Devil you will be hooked. The melody and production on this track are mesmerizing. The vocals; dreamy.

Gileah Taylor’s voice has a wonderful quality that is comforting and gutsy at the same time.

The more guitar driven, The Lazarus, is also a really catchy song. I hear radio friendly on this one.

The Satellite is also quite radio friendly. Very nice melody and her voice sounds fantastic.

The Shadow has a fun infectious beat that will have you moving on your feet or in your seat. Great guitar line too.

The songs are full sounding with lots of things going on at once but it’s cohesive, not messy. They are haunting and richly layered and just lovely. I love this record.

Sidenote: notice all the songs start with the word, “the”.

Posted on November 18, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1. The Devil
2. The Emergency
3. The Escape
4. The Lazarus
5. The Light Princess
6. The Lion in Love
7. The Satellite
8. The Shadow
9. The Slave
10. The Spirit

[Gileah and the Ghost Train Official Site]

The post Album Review: Gileah and the Ghost Train by Gileah and the Ghost Train first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: Get Thee to the World
Artist: Laura Aidanblaise
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I love this record. Everything about it (except the length). But it’s one of those ones that is hard to put my love into words. I just adore it and it’s hard to tell you why.

She does that vocal distortion thing where it sounds like the voice is right up front, mixed closer than the rest. Giving it a little tinny quality, but in a good way. This is especially prominent on Under the Water

I think my favorite song is Mary Go Round. My iPod seems to agree as it plays this one a LOT. I love how it starts out really sparse but then when she gets really worked up her words mangle slightly. It’s so emotional. You are right there with her. I get a little unsettled that she uses the N word, but I guess that’s part of what she is trying to do to us with the song. It’s very effective.

This is such a cool record. It’s got great melodies, great instrumentation and really fantastic songwriting. It’s a little eerie and in the PJ Harvey vein. This is a fantastic album, I just wish it were longer.

Posted on November 15, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 Bloodlove
2 Charlie’s Guns
3 Mary Go Round
4 That Old Road
5 Under the Water
6 Debauched
7 Wrinkles

[Laura Aidanblaise Official Site]

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Album Name: Free Life
Artist: Dan Wilson
Year/Label: 2007 / American/Reprise
[Buy at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

The music of the Wilson guys (Dan’s brother Matt is also a fabulous musician) is always very comfortable to me. I spent many of my college years listening to Trip Shakespeare and since have loved all the projects in which they’ve been involved. Most of the Semisonic songs felt like old friend upon the very first listen. These do too.

The very first song started and I sort of went *sigh* and thought, “home”. I just adore his songwriting, his voice, his melodies, everything.

Breathless is an easy radio pick. Very catchy and pop filled.

Come Home Angel is beautiful. Lush and full.

I guess if I listened long enough I would eventually mention all the songs as stand outs, so I guess I’ll stop now.

These songs are well written and expertly performed. Everything about this record is a hit with me. From the writing to the production and of course…that voice that melts me. A class act. This will fit well in almost anyone’s record collection.

Posted on October 13, 2007

Track Listing
1. All Kinds
2. Free Life
3. Breathless
4. Baby Doll
5. Come Home Angel
6. Sugar
7. Cry
8. Golden Girl
9. Against History
10. Honey Please
11. She Can’t Help Me
12. Hand On My Heart
13. Easy Silence

[Dan Wilson Official Site]

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Album Name: Remember the Sun
Artist: Pieta Brown
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent
[Buy at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Pieta Brown’s record has a got a real Alternative country sound to it. But it’s pretty bluesy too.

She has a very interesting, foggy voice that is perfect for the material.

Sonic Boom is a real standout for me. It just seems so fun to play and sing. But I like her quieter songs as well. For example, West Monroe is lovely too.

She reminds me of Emmylou Harris a bit. There’s a touch of someone else in there too but I can’t put my finger on it.

I bet she’s fun live. She did play here recently but I was unable to attend. She opened for Mason Jennings, which makes sense because she also does a swoopy thing with her voice sometimes. I will definitely check her out next time! Doh, I just checked her website and she’s playing here on the 25th of Sept…I will definitely try to make it!

I love this record. I took it with me on a sailing trip and I played it for my friends who all loved it too.

Note: the track listing is different order on my copy. My guess is mine is an advance and the one listed here is the new one. Same songs, just different order.

Posted on September 23, 2007

Track Listing
1. Rollin’ Down The Track
2. Innocent Blue
3. Sonic Boom
4. Are You Free
5. In My Mind I Was Talkin’ To Loretta
6. It’s Just As Well
7. Song For A Friend
8. West Monroe
9. Hey Run
10. Worlds Within Worlds
11. Remember The Sun

[Pieta Brown Official Site]

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Album Name: Fingers and Thumbs
Artist: Polly Paulusma
Year/Label: 2007 / One Little Indian
[Buy at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I have only a passing familiarity with Polly’s previous work. I heard one of her songs on the radio (Mea Culpa), and then we connected on MySpace. At the time I offered to review her CD but some wires got crossed (or maybe *not8 crossed) and I never got it. So I really only knew the songs I’d heard on the radio, but her name always stuck with me as someone to pay attention to. So when I heard she had a new record out I was very happy to review it.

For one thing, how adorable is she? Her album cover reminds me of those old 70s hippie covers. But the color is so rich and the photography so good, you know it’s current.

Her voice has that sweet almost girlish quality, but she’s not singing about childish things. There’s something very appealing in that contradiction.

These songs are very well written. The melodies are catchy without being predictable and the lyrics are perfect.

One track that really caught my attention is the title song, Fingers And Thumbs. Upon first listen it already felt like an old friend.

Back To The Start struck me as a song that would either play really well on the radio or be a great moment live. Probably both. But I can’ just see a room full of half drunk people pumping their fists, bobbing their heads and singing along. Ready or Not is like this too.

I read her bio on her website and cried. Go read it, really. It is so well written I felt like I was right there with her.

This is a great album and one I’m sure will be in my personal rotation for quite some time.

Posted on August 27, 2007
Note: It’s June 17, 2008 and I am still listening to this weekly. It’s a beautiful record and once you know what’s behind it (she had a miscarriage as she was writing it) the songs pretty much slap you in the face…in a good way of course

Track Listing
1. Godgrudge
2. Where I’m Coming From
3. All The Time
4. Day One
5. This One I Made For You
6. Back To The Start
7. Fingers And Thumbs
8. Ready Or Not
9. The Woods
10. Matilda

[Polly Paulusma Official Site]

The post Album Review: Fingers and Thumbs by Polly Paulusma first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: Edible Restaurant (Appetizer Edition)
Artist: Greta Gertler
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I’ve been a fan of Greta Gertler since I heard her song “Everyone Wants to Adore You” on Undiscovered Gems (a sampler put our by Virt Records – see sidebar link).

There’s a cabaret and olde tyme showbiz style on some of these songs that I can’t help but love. It’s quirky but nothing like anyone else is doing right now (at least that I know of) but the title song, Edible Restaurant, is reminiscent of the Dresden Dolls though much more accessible (I find DDs a little hard at times).

She is also able to take it down a notch or three as on Good & Simple, which is piano heavy but with some other instrumentation enhancing it. As you may know I love a piano. So this satisfies my yearning for hearing that lovely instrument.

Greta’s voice is crystal clear and a perfect match for the material. She has also surrounded herself with some fabulous musicians. If Bob Was God is another one that highlights piano and really showcases her fantastic vocals as well.

I wish great things for her and I just hope that she and her band get the exposure they so deserve. This is called the Appetizer Edition and the back of the CD says that the Main Course is coming soon. I can’t wait!! Because this is a damn near perfect record just as is.

Posted on June 25, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read

1. Wrist Slasher
2. Edible Restaurant
3. Lassie
4. Good & Simple
5. Bergen Street
6. If Bob Was God
7. Aching Melody
8. Uniform
9. Veselka
10. Wrist Slasher (reprise)

[Greta Gertler Official Site]

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Album Name: How to Stand in the Rain
Artist: Elana Arian
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I reviewed Elana’s previous release, Forward, and the only thing I didn’t like about it was that it was too short. So I’m very happy to get a full length record from this very talented singer and songwriter.

She has a fabulous way with melodies. I am always impressed when songwriters come up with melodies that are unexpected. Writing songs is hard! I know this, this is why I am a fan, not an artist.

I especially love how she takes some chances with style. She’s not all folk or pop. Here We Go Again is almost rock-a-billy and it’s wonderful. Because of You also has a bit of a different old tymie swingin’ feel. She’s very proficient at all these styles. The piano on the latter is amazing.

I am simply adoring this record. I’m actually not sure why this woman is not already famous. She has a fantastic voice, writes incredible songs and plays a plethora of instruments. Record lables, are you listening?!

Some other stand outs are Still Here and the opening track Jessies Song….and Metaphor You is jaw-dropping. Just…*sigh* What a way to end a fantabulous album.

Posted on May 18, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Jessie’s Song
2. In Every Moment
3. Here We Go Again
4. Coming Home
5. Still Here
6. Because Of You
7. You Are A Song
8. All Around
9. I Know What You’re Doing
10. Sweet Memory
11. Metaphor You

[Elana Arian Official Site]

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Album Name: North of New York
Artist: Charlotte Kendrick
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I was not expecting to like this one as much as I do. Upon first listen I thought it was pretty country and I’m not generally a fan or country. But these songs have attached themselves to me and won’t let go.

The songwriting sensibility recalls Dar Williams’ style. The voice is nothing similar, but the melodies and productions are. Beth Amsel would be another similar artist (again in style not in voice).

Speaking of voice, Charlotte Kendrick’s is so comfortable and appealing. I could listen to her all day.

The songs have a sweet sense to them especially on “Thank You” where she is thanking someone (presumably her mate) for being such a great person and treating her so well. It’s lovely. She says “I’m gonna love you when you’re 45, I’m gonna love you when you’re 93. And maybe by then I will be as good to you as you have been to me.”

Some of the songs have a male vocal harmony part which is a lovely addition. I assume the voice belong to her long time collaborator, Dan Rowe (though I have a pre-release so I don’t have the liner notes). The two sound great together.

“Caroline” is a lovely song about a women in her life that obviously affected her. I’m curious though why she is saying “So Long” to her. Maybe she’s just moving away. But I’m intrigued.

There is something so intimate about the sound, production wise that makes it feel like she’s right here singing right to me. Very nice.

In looking at her site I see she does house concerts, I’m so bummed I’ve had to put mine on hold because I’d love to host her. Maybe someday!!

Posted on May 11, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples

1. Thank You
2. Off the Tracks
3. Best of Me
4. Yellow
5. Drag You Down
6. In Time
7. Feels Right
8. Caroline
9. Too Nice
10. Laces
11. Let Go

[Charlotte Kendrick Official Site]

The post Album Review: North of New York by Charlotte Kendrick first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: The Silent Awakening
Artist: Tina Malia
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I first reviewed Tina Malia’s music in 2002 when I received “Shores of Avalon” and I was pretty much floored. I still listen to that record on a regular basis. It’s just so lovely and relaxing.

I am happy to say that this release is equally wonderful. I’ve only heard it a handful of times and I already love it, but I’m sure it will grow on me even more with time. Just as the previous one did.

This record is maybe a little more radio friendly (for lack of a better term). The songs here are more distinct from each other and she has shown more versatility in style. Though it’s still very ambient and soothing throughout.

Malia has a beautiful voice and such a skill for melding it with her gorgeous melodies. I just can’t say enough about her skills as a songwriter, performer and singer.

There are a plethora of instruments on this record and Tina Malia plays at least 5 of them herself. There are flutes, cellos, bells, shakers, several drums and even a rainstick (and some I’ve never heard of). This is one beautifully created masterpiece.

If you were wooed by “Shores of Avalon” you will not be disappointed. If you are new to Tina Malia’s records you will be smitten (and you will want to own them all).

Simply enchanting.

Posted on March 23, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. The Silent Awakening
2. Heaven
3. All Roads
4. Heal This Land
5. Sound of the River
6. Beholding
7. Holy Morn
8. In Sunlight
9. Wild Horses
10. Walking Hom

[Tina Malia Official Site]

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Album Name: She’s About to Cross My Mind
Artist: The Red Button
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Well, it’s about time! A record that is exactly what I expect (or hope) it will be after having seen the artwork. When I saw the cover art the first thing I thought of is Mary Tyler Moore. 60s fun. And that’s just what I got.

The Red Button reminds me a lot of a favorite local band here in Minneapolis called The Beatifics. And I dig it.

The guitars are jangly, the vocals are energetic with a British twist and songwriting is perfectly fun pop.

“Ooh Girl” has a great orchestral intro, and then it’s right back to fun pop.

This is going to me a summer soundtrack record for me I’m sure of it.

Posted on March 20, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples

1. Cruel Girl
2. She’s About To Cross My Mind
3. Floating By
4. She’s Going Down
5. I Could Get Used To You
6. Hopes Up
7. Can’t Stop Thinking About Her
8. Gonna Make You Mine
9. Ooh Girl
10. Free
11. It’s No Secret

[The Red Button Official Site]

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Album Name: Sarah Hallman
Artist: Sarah Hallman
Year/Label: 2007 / Busted Flat Records

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I would be remiss if I did not mention the similarities to another Sarah H from Canada, Sarah Harmer.

It’s not just the name and location; the sort of alt.country feel is there too as well as a similar vocal style. As for the writing: Harmer is more country and even bluegrass where Hallman is more in the folky rock vein. Though they do cross at times.

I don’t think I would hear one Sarah and think it’s the other, but they are very similar at least one some songs on this record.

“Shovel” being an exception. There is a lot more going on in this song, it’s less acoustic than some of the others.

That said, this is a fantastic album. I don’t mind that is reminds me of Harmer because I adore her too (though never got into her latest release). But not only that, there is quite a bit of originality here as well. I am really enjoying this record.

“Long Shot” has some great harmonies.

“Show” has a wonderful eerie feeling and the echoes on her voice are perfect.

But I am currently in love with “I Will Not Sing”.

A quick look on her website shows she is also an artist (as in not just a musician) and her stuff is beautiful.

This is another one for the personal rotation. I can also see it being a good summer CD. I love it.

Posted on March 16, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1 Snowballin’
2 Take a Flight
3 Shovel
4 Longshot
5 Show
6 The Loving
7 Forget You
8 I Will Not Sing
9 When It All Comes Down
10 Shed
11 The Sadness
12 Entangle

[Sarah Hallman Official Site]

The post Album Review: Sarah Hallman by Sarah Hallman first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: Spark
Artist: Stephanie Briggs
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

This is a really great record. It’s quirky and light at times but it also goes electric as on “Siphoning Seasons” which features a rocking guitar part.

I can hear a little Ani DiFranco influence in the guitar parts especially on “I Don’t Mind” and in the vocals on “Sundown”. But she’s no Ani clone. There’s much more to her music than just guitar (that’s not to take anything away from Ani, she’s a goddess to me). But this record has many layers, vocally and instrumentally.

There’s something girlish about Briggs’ voice on some songs but she maintains the perfect amount of edge to be really cool.

I could go into my favorite songs on this record, but I would just end up naming them all eventually. This is a very solid record that is going straight into my personal rotation.

Posted on February 15, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Intro
2. Doll
3. Static of Birds
4. Conspiracy
5. Edge of a Matchbox
6. Sure Thing
7. Word for Word
8. Photo Chemicals
9. Reflection
10. Caterpillar
11. I Don’t Mind
12. Sundown
13. Siphoning Seasons
14. Tonight
Old Bubble Gum Wrappers

[Stephanie Briggs Official Site]

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The post Album Review: Spark by Stephanie Briggs first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: Ancient Shadows (the Ghost and the Fairy)
Artist: Priscilla Hernandez
Year/Label: 2007 / Independent

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

*Sigh* after listening to tinny sounding, poorly produced folk music this is just what I need. I fell like I’ve taken an antidote.

Everything about this album is perfect. Not just the voice, musicianship, songwriting, and production. The art on the package (and the website) is beautiful. This is a good example of why I am so against digital only releases. Music is more to me that just the sound, it’s everything. I want to be able to look at the gorgeous artwork, I want to read the lyrics. It all adds to the enjoyment.

So thank you Priscilla for releasing an album that appeals to more than just one of my senses.

OK now down to the music. Priscilla’s lovely voice is nicely layered and moves over the melodies seemingly effortless. The genre might be described as new age/ambient. As you may have guessed from the title, there’s a bit of the fantasy/ghosty/fairy realm here. Ethereal, I guess. It makes me want to sit on the floor of my old Victorian house, turn off all the lights, light candles, and wait for the ghosts to come.

I’ve listened to this album several times while writing this review and it’s already in my personal rotation so I’m sure there will be many more listens in the years to come. This is a beautiful release, and if I’d heard it before making my Best of 2006 list, it would certainly have been on there.

PS if you want to weep uncontrollably, go to the section on her page “For Kira”, oh my. Maybe it’s so powerful to me because I just lost my 19 year old cat (I’d had her since she was 6 weeks old) but I had to stop reading it because I didn’t want my co-workers to hear me sobbing,

Posted on January 6, 2007

Track Listing
Listen to track samples

1. Facing the Dream (opening Credits)
2. Away
3. Ancient Shadow
4. But If You Go
5. I Steal the Leaves
6. The Willow’s Lullaby
7. The Call of the Nymph
8. Nothing
9. Haunted
10. Nightmare
11. Fairytale
12. The Realms of Twilight
13. The Voice of the Night
14. Lament
15. Ahora Que Te Has Ido
16. The Prince and the Fairy
17. I’m Right Here
18. Sueño Muerto
19. Facing the Dream (closing Credits)

[Priscilla Hernandez Official Site]

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The post Album Review: Ancient Shadows by Priscilla Hernandez first appeared on Collected Sounds.