Customer Reviews

Anybody Out There?

5 star:		(83)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This has got to be one of the most unique, musically rich debuts I've heard in a very long time. Strong pop/rock with a heavy dose of Greek & Mediterranean rhythms, song structures and instrumentation. Fiery acoustic guitar playing, passionate rhythms with tasty percussion....all mixed with beautiful pop melodies and hooks. It's no mean feat to make Mediterranean 5/4 and 7/4 meters groove in a pop context without sounding contrived. And best of all...strong, emotional vocal interpretations with multi-layered harmonies.....that's right, folks -- actual singing (something forgotten in today's music).

B to C has carved out a niche all their own...they sound like no one. And best of all, their lyrics are deep and full of conviction and intelligence...unlike so much of today's lyrical drivel. These songs MEAN something, folks. Deeply spiritual and poetic.

One of the best debuts to come out in the last 2-3 years. If you absolutely MUST compare to get a better idea, think Sister Hazel-meets-Gomez-with some Cat Stevens and a dash of Blues Traveler...and a good pinch of Gypsy Kings. See? Told you they don't sound like anyone.

Here is the true and tragic story of Burlap to Cashmere.

Burlap to Cashmere started gaining popularity in 1997 into 1998 and did a tour with Jars of Clay. I had the opportunity to see them open for Jars of Clay at the University of Iowa in 1998. There were probably under a thousand of us there in a small room so it was a real intimate feel. Even those standing in the back were not more than 50 feet away from the stage. What we saw that night absolutely amazed every single person in the audience. I'll never forget watching members of the band playing different instruments seemingly each and every song. One guy in particular that played percussion on one song was literally running back and forth from one side of the stage to the other to play different instruments. Each song was a clinic on how to play many different instruments on the same song. Each song the crowd got into more and more and by mid-way through their set every last person was in awe. Absolutely everyone was 100% into the music. When they finished their set we screamed for an encore and then another one but sadly they had to stop playing. Jars of Clay came on next and put on a good show. At the end of their show Jars of Clay said they'd like to meet all of us and offered to sign autographs after they had a few minutes to rest and get some water. As we were streaming out of the auditorium everyone was saying the same thing in different ways "Jars of Clay was good but we want to meet Burlap to Cashmere!!!" The funny thing about it was the chatter going into the room was "Who in the world is Burlap to Cashmere? Have you ever heard of them??" Everyone was so taken by Burlap to Cashmere that their table was 10 people deep waiting to buy their album while only a few were at the merchandise table of Jars of Clay.

Their CD "Anybody Out There?" went on to sell very well and the band rose to stardom and their fans eagerly awaited their next release. Sadly, no studio album was ever released again as the band members started fighting about where to take the music and eventually broke up. Their only other release was a very short live album called "Live at the Bitter End" Stephen Delopolous (one of the lead singers) put out a solo album that, in my humble opinion, is terrible.

I can't pick out any highlights off of this album as each and every song is a highlight that I rate as 10/10. Buy this album and treasure it for the amazing musiciansip, amazing lyrics and for what could have been.

Burlap to Cashmere is a very talented and original band as far as musicality is concerned. They have very impressive guitar solos (almost a classical Spanish style) in many of their songs, and their fine natural abilities in rhythm allow them to create *solid* music in difficult time signatures (namely 5/4).

"Treasures in Heaven", and occasionally "Basic Instructions", are commonly played on the radio stations. Add the title song, "Is There Anybody Out There", and you already have three songs that are so good that you already feel like you got your money's worth.

I refrained from giving it a fifth star only because their lyrics are not necessarily theologically deep or worship-inspiring... but this is my personal opinion. Definitely exciting and great for listening!

One last helpful hint: don't forget that you can look to find out what music other people have bought. If you like the other music, you'll probably like this music.

I just read most of the reviews posted here and I couldn't be in more agreement. It seems the general feeling is Burlap to Cashmere is having a significant impact on anyone who listens. I've listened to Christian music now for 15 years and I can honestly say the future of this genre is B to C. No longer are artists afraid to combine their talents with their faith. I predict this group will make their way into popular music and soon. I look forward to their next release. To all listeners who don't know Jesus now you may have some insight why a belief in Him is worth singing about and why a talented group like B to C would have it no other way. Thanks be to God and Burlap to Cashmere for your witness and courage. I think I'll play this CD right now!

A friend gave me this CD recently. She said cut 2, eileen's song reminded her of me. It reminded me of much more. The lyrics are multi- dimensional. They speak of god and me, me and me, me and many others. I am sure you will experience this same feeling. The voices are crisp and full of strength. The music virtually carries one to great times, good thoughts and deep reflection. B to C reminds a bit of some early Cat Stevens and has the same "to the heart" quality of Jim Croce. As a pastor in his mid 40's I am excited and filled with joy at such deep thoughts in the midst of great music. Add to that a strong message of faith and this group is a winner in my mind. I would love to book them in my community. Keep the faith and the music.

With nice guitar work and steady riffs, this album is a must have. Along with all of the awesome beats and toe tapping music, comes the great lyrics. They are fun to listen to, and quite inspiring.

The lyrical style and music really remind of Cat Stevens. Along with that, the "story telling" type words don't just say something. They paint a picture. Long live the Jesus Freaks

When it comes to "Christian Contemporary Music," there's a lot of stuff out there that sounds the same. Some of it is trite, insipid, and generally boring. But I have to say that this album is one of my absolute favorites. I grew up listening to Eastern European folk music and the first time I heard this group, I was hooked, because it sounds so familiar to me.

The musical variations this group comes up with are ear catching. Every song has its own flavor, and all the songs combined make for a great album.

Not only is the music good enough to listen on continuous repeat, but the lyrics aren't the "same old same old." I don't think anybody is on the same level with Rich Mullins or Chris Rice for "poetic doctrine," but Burlap to Cashmere come pretty close.

Being a college student, I hear a lot of music while I study. This album has mellower songs that help organize my jumbled thoughts, in addition to the energetic songs that make me want to type along with the rhythm.

Thanks, Burlap to Cashmere, for a great CD. I can't wait for your next one!

I was told about this album by a friend and listened to some songs from it. I instantly fell in love with Eileen's Song, and bought the album and have grown to truly love it. It's amazing mediterranean gutar riff's, truly flowing percussion, and gritty yet amazing vocals, astound me. Being a musician, I can recognize true musicianship and talent when I see it, and these guys have it. I wish people would stop criticising them for a few lyrics here and there under the assumption that they're a christian band. If you have christians in a band, does that make them automatically a christian band? Even BtC denies this, so just appreciate the music for what it is, not by what it should be classified as or what the lyrics are really trying to say. They only mean what they mean to you.

Here a note from a music-fan from the Netherlands (or Holland, as most Americans say). I saw Burlap To Cashmere several times when they were touring in the Netherlands (also on the Flevo-festival) in august 1999. I was surprised; it was one of the best bands I ever heard! I bought both their cd's and Anybody Out There is really fabulous. I put a tape in my carstereo and it has not been out there since! What a music, greek, italian, latin, american, a perfect mix with an excellent percussionplayer and acoustic guitarist. You must buy this cd, you won't regret it.

Imagine Jars of Clay or Toad The Wet Sprocket with a Greek/Spanish flair, and you have an idea how good Burlap To Cashmere is. BTC is probably the most creative, energetic, and passionate Christian band I have ever heard, even more so than my longtime favorite, Jars of Clay. And if you can't get over the fact that they are a Christian band, then you're missing out on some great music! The lyrics are very spritual and inspirational without sounding cheesy or cliche'. The music also has some interesting guitar work and infectious conga rhythms. You won't be able to keep yourself from dancing to "Basic Instructions". I have not heard one bad review about this band's music, and if anybody out there doesn't like this music, then there is something wrong with them! Bottom line is, do yourself a favor and buy this album! It is worth every penny!