Recent Reviews

• Music Movie • Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me - Read it • Music Movie • 20 Feet From Stardom - Read it • Sci-Fi Movie • Avatar - Read it • Alternative Music • Everclear - In A Different Light Read it • CD Music • The Bushpilots - Seven Ways To Broadway Read it • Live Music • Craig Cardiff, Matthew Barber, Julie Fader - Live at Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield Quebec Read it • Drama Movie • Capote - Read it • Drama Movie • Brokeback Mountain - Read it • Drama Movie • Syriana - Read it • Live Music • Jim Bryson, Justin Rutledge - Live at the Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC Read it Browse the Review Archives

• MUSIC REVIEW (Rock - Folk) •

Hall, Janice Collector's Item Artist Home Page The Recoilers are Janice's backing band But it or Suspended right here!

Label: Leep Released: 12/15/2001

Although Janice Hall's live shows have been increasingly raucous (rock-us?) over the past year, her new CD starts out with a song typical of her earlier work as a gradual build-up to the new sound... "Edge of the Fountain" blends her trademark ethereal vocals with a steady waltz beat and once again the backing section of The Recoilers on guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. However, by the second song, the live staple "Mable", she is already in full-on rock mode with pumping rhythm and jangly Peter Buck-like guitar. The collection shows clear signs of an evolving artist, now more willing than ever to belt out a vocal when needed or thrash away on an electric guitar on occasion. Dave Draves’ clean recording and production at Little Bullhorn leaves the songs to speak for themselves, but not without the occasional keyboard flourish or wash of reverb to add some intrigue. Hall’s unassuming lyrics speak of the day to day troubles and moments we have all experienced (at least all us commuting computer nerds) and her words are carefully crafted with nary an extraneous or imprecise word. Her vocals shine with layers of her own overdubbed harmonies and those of bassist Rolf Klausener. From encounters with city parking meter attendants to life in the sterile environment of the modern office building, commuting on public transit or applying for a job, Hall takes the ordinary and works it into a less-than-ordinary collection of songs worthy of repeated and attentive listening.

Back

Recent Reviews