Album Review: Such a Common Bird by Wendy McNeill

Album Name: Such a Common Bird
Artist: Wendy McNeill
Year/Label: 2004 / Independent

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Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Canada’s Wendy McNeill is no common singer. Her new record is a bit special, taking in a variety of styles and themes.

“Blue Skies” is a gentle, jazzy piece that recalls Jane Siberry.

“Black Angus” has McNeill dismissing an admirer to a jaunty tune.

“Cigarettes and You” has her singing of giving up on addictions, namely the smokes and a guy. She sings a couple of verses of “La Vie en Rose” and follows it with a song of Edith Piaf. McNeill imbues the song with spirit and pathos as she recounts the singer’s life in first person. McNeill quickly makes us understand what made Piaf tick.

Wendy McNeill is clearly very gifted and this is a strong record.

Posted on October 29, 2004

Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Such a Common Bird
2. Blue Skies
3. Julien
4. Black Angus
5. All Aboard
6. Everyday Heroes…prelude
7. Everyday Heroes
8. Cigarettes and You
9. La Vie En Rose
10. The Sparrow
11. Little Piece of Heaven
12. Such a Common Bird…pretty

[Wendy McNeill Official Site]

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