Choice Cuts: December 2001 - Page 2
© Adam McKibbin
For More Info: Visit http://www.sugarplumfairies.com or listen to selected tracks at http://www.cdbaby.com/sugarplum
Artist: Danya River
Album: Within/Without
The Scoop: A young singer/songwriter now based in San Francisco, Danya River studied a variety of musical disciplines—from gospel to opera—before deciding she liked writing songs on her guitar best. Sounds like a smart move. Within/Without is a socially conscious collection of acoustic songs, highlighted by some deft turns of phrase by River, her captivating singing voice, and some stimulating percussion (djembe, congos, etc.) from Christian Teele. It’s a strong debut by a performer whose best is almost certainly yet to come.Highlight Track: The songs on Within/Without are very personal—every song includes the word “I” at some point—but there is an interesting departure on “Seneca,” in which River paints a vivid picture (“your pale skin, your crimson hair, the gap between your front teeth”) of the overworked girl who lends her name to the song.
Honorable Mention: “San Francisco” is a paean to the city itself—its gracious residents fighting for parking and so forth—but, more importantly, is a song about new beginnings (a recurring theme). It’s a relatively simple acoustic number that serves as a showcase for both River’s singing voice and her writing voice.For More Info: Stop by http://www.danyariver.com or http://www.cdbaby.com/danyariver (to listen and purchase).
Artist: Clairvoyants
Album: Your New Boundaries
The Scoop: An intelligent, carefully constructed album that takes a few listens to fully sink in, but is well worth the time. Brian Dunn—the creative nucleus of the Cambridge quintet—is patiently melancholy, taking the time to explore his lows. Dunn sings with a vulnerable near-falsetto that is often attempted in the emo genre but seldom done this well. Clairvoyants have shared the stage with the likes of Mark Kozelek, Wheat, and Thalia Zedek.Highlight Track: “To Reassure” is an epic opening ceremony for the album, an emo odyssey that starts out sparse and melancholy, then builds to an anguished climax. It sets the tone for the first half of Your New Boundaries, which up until the “Interlude” feels like a single, grand piece, woven together by Dunn’s bruised narratives.
Honorable Mention: Also worthy of praise is Colin Rhinesmith, who co-produced the album (as well as pulling duty as both engineer and primary keyboardist).For More Info: Check out http://www.badmanrecordingco.com
Artist: Clare Fader
Album: The Elephant’s Baby
The Scoop: You don’t have any album like this in your collection. That should become clear about 45 seconds into “Animal Charm,” the opening track. With over 40 musicians joining her, Fader leads us in what is billed as “cabaret for the 21st century,” and, indeed, The Elephant’s Baby is a madcap vaudevillian show condensed for stereo consumption. Damon Carmona’s larger-than-life arrangements give spectacular life to Fader’s sharp ear for melody.
