Adam's Rib

Melanie Doane | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 24, 1999)
• Original Release Date: August 24, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00000K2AU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,242 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars All about Eve, September 24, 2000

By 

Troy (the Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adam's Rib (Audio CD)

Melanie Doane is one of the names that i came across as i randomly
wandered through Amazon.com's music shop, following the references to
related artists that appear on the left side of each item page. A
number of reviews and some sound bytes persuaded me to take a chance
and order her CD through zShops. Having heard the album a couple of
times, i am pleased to say that she made me a believer.

"Adam's
rib" apparently is the second release by this Canadian
singer/songwriter, her 1997 debut being the oddly titled
"Shakespearean fish". Her style may be described as acoustic
based poprock with something of a country flavor, due to the prominent
role of her instrument of choice, the violin. Although the way she is
portrayed on the booklet's front and back cover suggests otherwise, i
found no mention of her playing guitar in the individual song
credits. Six-string duties are primarily performed by producer Rick
Neigher and one John Shanks. Melanie Doane features on vocals, violin,
piano and mandolin, while the keyboard end of affairs is handled by
Kevin Savigar. Their names sound only vaguely familiar, unlike those
of contributing guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Tim Pierce.

Title
track "Adam's rib" is a perfect opener, with a refrain that
instantly nestled in my mind and stuck with me ever since. Melanie's
pleasant voice on this wonderful tune is supported by splendid harmony
vocals, deft violin chords and an excellent guitar solo. Although this
is my favorite song on the album, there is still plenty left to enjoy
on the 11 remaining tracks. All of which at least partially flowed
from her pen. Throughout the entire album Melanie Doane proves she has
a knack for composing extremely catchy songs with choruses that are
not easily forgotten, whether it be a low-key, intimate cut like
"Good gifts" or an uptempo, cheerful song like "Happy
homemaker" with its mildly ironic lyric ("barefoot and
pregnant never looked so good"...yeah, right). The girl obviously
has a sense of humor, dedicating "Can't take my eyes off
you" to her television set. I would have to go along with most of
my reviewing colleagues in saying that "Adam's rib",
"Happy homemaker", "Waiting for the tide",
"How you cried" and "The space between us" are the
definite highlights. "Mel's rock pile" is a non-vocal track
with a slight Irish feel, reminding me of some instrumentals i've
heard perform by The Corrs.

This Juno award winner should not be
dismissed as one of those Lilith Fairian types who
"tailgate" the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Tory Amos. She
seems to have more of an attitude in the musical sense of the phrase,
her material sounding less pretentious and heavyhearted. Imagine a
cross between Sheryl Crow, Amanda Marshall, Jann Arden and Melissa
Etheridge and you'll have a fair idea of what to expect. Melanie Doane
is a talented newcomer who is likely to turn some heads in the near
future. Check out her album now and you'll be able to say that you
knew her way back when.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest underrated musicians of our time., August 18, 2001

By 

John P. Bohtis (Streetsboro, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adam's Rib (Audio CD)

Words cannot describe the kind of talent Melanie Doane has. To say that she is mystical would be a gross understatement. There's a power to her music that carries through each and every one of her songs. Adam's Rib was my first encounter with Melanie and I have since then been, without a doubt, hooked. After hearing this CD I was compelled to track down her other releases (Harvest Train, Shakespearean Fish and her most recent, Melvin Live) and each one is filled with the thorough, consistent quality of Adam's Rib. Now if only she'd play more US tour dates ...

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Underrated Career Album Triumph, July 29, 2000

By 

Supernova (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adam's Rib (Audio CD)

From the opening drum beats of the lead-off first single ("Adam's Rib"), Melanie Doane captures the listener's attention and never lets go throughout. Strong, mature, well-crafted lyrics combine with a rock influenced, acoustic roots feel to create one of the most well-rounded, underrated CDs released in 1998. The music here is simply stunning - creative, unique and a great pleasure to listen to - ALL the way through to the end. Stand out performances include the title track, "Happy Homemaker", "The Space Between Us", "Goliath" and "How You Cried". However, this CD is a must have because of the brilliantly crafted "Waiting For The Tide", a solid rock song driven by unique background music, wonderful lyrics and a great chorus. Upon first seeing Melanie live in 1994, it is an absolute joy to see her grow and receive some recognition (a Juno Award in 1999 for Best New Solo Artist) for her craft. Sony Music Canada - don't let her get away. Throw away Celine the powderpuff - Melanie is for real. This is one CD you will never regret buying and never tire of listening. Great job Mel.