Customer Reviews

Adam's Rib

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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 ...

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.

I happened on "Adam's Rib" at the Tower Records lisening post in San Diego and decided to buy the record. Holy Moley!! This is such a cool CD!! Why is it not all over the radio?? Every song is so catchy and cool. Happy Homemaker is a smash, so is Adam's Rib. I tell all my friends about Melanie Doane and they think I'm nuts. Then I play the record and they all agree. My roomate is also hooked. It's like a cult or something!!! Anyway, I'm so glad to see other people digging Melanie Doane here too. - just buy the damn record and you'll thank me.

Chas

I heard the song "I Can't Take My Eye's Off You" on my absolute favorite episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and, because it was on that episode, had to have the song. Then, I heard the rest of the cd. I haven't stopped listening to it since. She is like a cross between Sarah McLachlan and Jonatha Brooke. Absolutely amazing. Plus, her guitar player, John Shanks, is Melissa Etheridge's guitar player. That makes her even better. I think that "Goliath" is the best song on the cd, although the instrumental, "Mel's Rock Pile" is amazing. Her voice is so amazingly wonderful. I've gotten all of my friends hooked on her and tell people to buy this cd because she needs to be REALLY popular! She's wonderful and this cd is amazing.

I happened to catch the title track for this album courtesy MuchMusic back in 1998 when it was first out in Canada...the video was intriguing...the song was even more intriguing. On the strength of the title track I hunted down the CD...I had to buy a second one because my wife constantly had the first copy in her car player...excellent stuff from start to finish. Sure, there's a temptation to compare her to Sarah McLachlan. Dio yourself a favor and forget for the time being that Sarah is as wildly successful as she's been and put the headphones on. This album is full of greatness...lyrically and musically. Melanie's violin and a silky smoothy voice make for a totally different experience than that of Sarah or any of the other female success stories from Canada. This album was released the following year in the US, and whoever was in charge of promoting it dropped the ball because by all rights Melanie Doane should have a Grammy collection to go with her Junos and East Coast Awards (she comes from Halifax). "There is No Beautiful", "Goliath", "Happy Homemaker", "Tell Me How You Cried", "Good Gifts", and any other song on this album...pure enjoyment. It's shameful this album never got its due in the US. Spend some time listening to Canadian radio and she's regarded as the star she is in her home country. After this album, pick up her latest, "You re What You Love," and if that doesn't convince you as well, get her "Melvin Live" CD and hear what Canadian audiences have known for almost a decade...that Melanie Doane is a Canadian treasure. BUY THE CD...you won't regret it.

This is one of those CDs that you can listen to the whole way through without skipping any tracks. When it's finished, you want to go back for more. From the sarcastic "Happy Homemaker" to the inspirational "Goliath", you just can't get enough of Melanie's smooth lyrics and awsome violin playing. I've been listening to Melanie for a while now, having been introduced to her music while listening to Canadian radio stations.... Hopefully, more radio stations and other outlets in the US will check this out and see what the rest of us who love Melanie's music already know. <P... Her newest CD, "Melvin Live" is a must have for anyone who wants a glimpse into Melanie's live show.

I picked this little gem up at Amoeba (best record store on the planet) in San Francisco for 3 dollars. I had never heard of her. But, I thought "cool looking gal with a guitar, [a not-bad asking price]...could be good" This is a great CD. Great vocals, sweet guitar. I loved "Mels Rock Pile" (Traditional Tarbotten Reel--who knew?) and the sweet melody of "I can't take my eyes off you" I want to give this 4.5 stars but that's not an option. I'm not sure I've listened to it enough to give it 5. Enjoy this.

I was driving home from work one day and I heard Melanie Doane being interviewed. i really liked what she said and then they played "Happy Homemaker". I liked that song so I decided to get the tape. This is really awesome - it's like the best of Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin and Sarah McLachlan all rolled into one. Not that I can compare Melanie Doane to any of them - she sounds like nothing I have ever heard before. I hope she becomes a successful artist because she deserves it. It's a very good investment to your music collection.

Melanie Doane's violinist background gave her a taste for more eccentric arrangements and sophisticated melodies. What wasn't expected was how supple and strong her voice is, and how versatile her vocal ability.

Whether sounding slightly gruff and assertive on "Adam's Rib", wry and sexy on "Happy Homemaker", breathily romantic on "I Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (it's about something much funnier than you think), or doing absolutely stunning backing-vocal work on "Waiting for the Tide", Doane's voice carries the day even as at points she adds her violin for an unusual, tasty accent. ("Mel's Rockpile", an instrumental, allows her to strut her stuff on the violin)

The production is clear and powerful, giving the whole proceeding a lively air. Another Canadian songstress worthy of breakthrough, with a subtly effective feminist lilt to her intelligent lyrics.