Customer Reviews

Anna By Anna Waronker

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

 

 

Gee, I don't know what record the others were listening to-- I think this is a very solid recording from Waronker. True, it's not quite as artsy as her That Dog stuff, or maybe as lyrically focused as Lisa Marr, The Beards or as intense as The Muffs, but this is excellent stuff IMO. It does start a bit slow, or should I say a bit on the 'power pop'/Bangles or Go-Gos side, and AW's lyrics can be elliptical at times. But I think by the time it gets to "Nothing Personal," the album serves up a terrific mix of power pop meets art rock, with even edges that recall a more wise ...Sheryl Crow or even Jane Siberry. "Perfect 10" is intense rock, "Goodbye" & "John & Maria" excellent 'ballads.' And Anna's singing has really improved too. It hooks me each listen, which I
can't say about everything.

A very solid effort by Anna Waronker - consistant good performances, songwriting and production - amazing for an initial indie release on a brand new label. Why do people always feel the need to compare and name drop?

Anna by Anna Waronker varies stylisitically from soft ballads to indie pop hooks, thoughtful lyrics - thumbs up on this one!

I always enjoyed that dog's music (of which Anna Waronker was the frontwoman) but felt a couple of their albums were hit and miss. I bought "Anna" on a whim hoping for the best, and it turned out to be one of my favorite albums of 2002. She basically has let it rip for this album, proving herself a one-woman phenomenon who knocks out rock songs with distinctive vocals and lyrics one after another. If you're unfamiliar with Anna's work, it sounds somewhat like a cross of rock/pop styles from the likes of Veruca Salt, Patti Rothberg, Aimee Mann, and Hole. Start with "I Wish You Well" and then let the CD sit in your player a few times and let the tracks sink into your head.

Anna's efforts are noted. I mean, she puts a lot of hard work into this solo album of hers. But, while her songs are undeniably catchy, nearly all of them leave you wondering, "Haven't I heard this song before?". There are traces, if not replicas, of indie-rock women (and even some men) everywhere. It just gets old. Fast.

when i bought anna's new album what i thought i would get (or hoped i would get) was the new that dog. album. after five years, i guess it's time to accept that the band broke up. while anna's new album does not feature the violin leads or three part harmonies we got on the that dog. albums, there are some fantastically catchy tunes that you'll be humming all day. and a further progression in anna's song writing is evident. the album takes more than one listen, but you won't be disappointed.

I was really excited to find out that after the five years since That Dog's Retreat From The Sun, I was finally going to get to hear some new music from Anna, presumably the main creative force behind the group, but even the better half of the songs on "Anna" don't come close to her former glory, and the other half are just plain bad.
I really wish I had something more positive to say about this album, because I really did want, and expect, to like it, but I'm sorry, it just [is bad].

I would have thought with Anna producing the album herself, and taking some time out of the music biz she would return with some music that would be very original. But she does manage to sound exactly like every other rock godess in the business. There are a few good songs, but the album as a whole is mediocre. Go with her work from her That Dog days over her solo work.

Anna's efforts are noted. I mean, she puts a lot of hard work into this solo album of hers. But, while her songs are undeniably catchy, nearly all of them leave you wondering, "Haven't I heard this song before?" As the editorial review (Laura Etling) above suggests, there are, indeed, traces (if not replicas)of other indie-rock women everywhere. It just gets old. Fast.

Anna Waronker serves up a decent debut album, but it falls short of great. Mediocre production and rushed together songs make this collection very lackluster. Don't get me wrong, from the poppy "Love Story" all the way to the beautiful and melodic "Goodbye" ending, this album might catch your ear if you're a fan of That Dog. Do yourself a favor and buy the Eyeliners' "Sealed With a Kiss" instead.