Choice Cuts: May 2003
May 2, 2003 -
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Artist: LISA GERMANO
Album: Lullaby for Liquid Pig
The Scoop: Lisa Germano pulls the phoenix act with her new album, rising from the ashes of Lilith Fair and a terminated relationship with 4AD and a subsequent stint as a employee at West Hollywood's Book Soup. The result of her retreat is the dark opus Lullaby For Liquid Pig, an album that chronicles the lonely depths of alienation and addiction with surgical precision. The reemergence of Lisa Germano isn't quite a homespun, against-all-odds Cinderella story; the album's label (Ineffable) has BMG's backing and she was aided by the help of prominent friends from the days of yore. Joey Waronker co-produces and Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and Neil Finn (Crowded House) turn in guest appearances, while David Bowie and Peter Gabriel were already numbered amongst her fans and endorsers. But the part about the album that matters-the music, the lyrics-really do belong to one woman and one woman's odyssey. Germano's breathy vocals ride on blurry, hallucinatory orchestral arrangements. While many "breathy" singers are buried and lost beneath their music, Germano's voice always cuts clean through the mire. Fortunately, then, the listener will notice her bursts of staccato poetry like "I want to be / $9.99 / a pretty good wine / a beautiful time." Despite cheery titles like "Candy" and "It's Party Time" (two of the album's best tracks), Lullaby for Liquid Pig prefers shadow over light. It's more interesting down there.Highlight Tracks: "Candy" and the title track.
For More Info: Visit http://www.lisagermano.com
Artist: A.M. VIBE
Album: A.M. Vibe
The Scoop: Fresh off a stint supporting Zwan, A.M. Vibe releases an attention-grabbing debut disc of fuzzy, irresistible pop songs. Influenced by Nirvana and Jesus and Mary Chain, and most commonly likened to The Sundays, A.M. Vibe is led by charismatic singer/guitarist Lisah (the three band members all go by first names only). She is supported by a straightforward but enjoyable rhythm section that enjoys the fast-slow-fast ebb and flow of 90's glory. Though it sometimes seems contrived, the laughter interspersed through the album is further evidence that this is a band that flat-out loves doing what they do. Lisah's high, girly vocals are perfectly designed for sunny jaunts and hand-clapping melodies ("Summer Street"). There is also a raspiness behind the glossy sheen, and the world-weary woman/innocent girl dichotomy is part of what makes the band compelling enough for return visits.
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