Customer Reviews

Anyway

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

 

 

Farris is a singer-songwriter-fiddler from Austin who's augmented her classical training with an impressive crash-course in Americana. After wood-shedding on tour with Alejandro Escovedo, she had the opportunity to tour and record with Austin luminaries like Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison and The Derailers. She's graduated with this debut CD, produced by legendary guitarist-singer-songwriter Dave Alvin.

Farris' voice has a good measure of the "little girl" sound of Julie Miller and Victoria Williams, which can sound twee at times. Alvin does a good job of hiding this, especially on the stellar double-tracked vocal of the title song (augmented by a superb baritone guitar solo) and the twangy "Pretty Dresses." The former brings to mind 60s girlgroup sounds like The Shangri-Las or Shelley Fabares, the latter adds Farris' fiddle and Rick Shea's pedal steel to a song that's equal parts Wanda Jackson and Connie Francis.

The album's eclectic mix includes Drifters-styled bass, maracas and violin on "Let Go" and jazzy crooning on "Undecided" and "No Exit." Farris' voice is a bit girly to fully carry the latter two, but her fiddle solo on "No Exit" is swings in a wonderfully laconic way. Covers include Bruce Robison's "Drivin' All Night Long," Scott Walker's moody "Big Louise," and X's "Poor Girl." The latter, winningly, has more of a wistful jangle than X's typical angst.

The variety that Farris and Alvin bring to this disc is admirable. They hit some fine high points (particularly when casting Farris in a '60s pop and country vein); the lower marks are worthy experiments that should help guide Farris' future application of her unusual voice.

There are several swell, catchy songs that start this album off, with Austin scenester Amy Farris riding a fine line between indie and Americana tendencies. The country-ish stuff is the best, and while some of the more rock-oriented songs reveal some of her vocal limitations, on the whole this is a nice little record, with a cute DIY feel built around her off-kilter, mousy vocals, which bring Victoria Williams to mind, albeit with a more focussed musical vision. Nice record; worth checking out. I've enjoyed hearing Farris in the background of many Kelly Willis records; it's a treat to hear her taking center stage at last.

I was not surprised to learn that Amy Farris was a Gracie Allen fan, for her music is a deliberately retro sound that conjours up the late Mrs. George Burns. This cd is a fun and uptempo album, centered on teasingly heartbreaking material that is never light or stupid. Amy Farris get plenty of opportunities to turn her hand to the fiddle she made her name with. It also has a nice mix of original material, like the Title Track, and covers of everyone from Bruce Robison (Driving All Night Long) to X (a bouncy cover of "Poor Girl" which managed to perfecetly capture the character of the girl in the song). All in all a stand out performance from a stand out new talent.

"Let Go" is the highlight of this recording for me, featuring top names in the music industry, namely Dave Alvin and Don Heffington, and is well worth the price. Amy is a well-established musician, having known of her work for over 16 years from her time in Austin to the present. She deserves to be heard. Have a listen.

"Anyway" by Amy Farris is a good disc, particularly when she's in retro mode. Vocally, she may resemble Victoria Williams, Amy Rigby or Maria Muldaur, depending on the song. Some of the tracks here are standouts. "Hard to Say" has a swing emphasis that sounds like it came from Peggy Lee outtakes. "Undecided" mines the same western swing territory with Amy's voice a wry instrument, "I've been sitting on a fence & it doesn't make much sense 'cause you keep me in suspense." Bruce Robison's "Drivin' All Night Long" that opens the set keeps your toe tapping with its catchy road song chorus. John Doe & Exene Cervenka's "Poor Girl" is a strong track with Don Heffington's drums pounding relentlessly. Amy's own "No Exit" is probably my favorite track with Dave Alvin's electric guitar giving the arrangement bite & Tony Marsico's great bass line. Farris responds with sass & swagger, "Tomorrow gotta fake it, pretend I got some rest & kill anybody who says I must have slept." "Anyway" is a good set that pushes the boundaries with Dave Alvin's excellent production and Farris' violin and distinctive vocals. Enjoy!

You should purchase this album. Amy is no longer with us but that wont keep you from enjoying some great music. What a range she shows us on these recordings. Sometimes twangy other times a little sultry then she will do a little crooning. No matter what your mood, you are sure to find a song on this album each time you listen to it that will grab you. After you purchase this one then you should purchase Dave Alvins record too. Happy listening.

This CD is wonderful, every song is unique with an amazing sound. Amy's voice is so versatile. Not the type of music I would normally listen to but I purchased this because Amy was my friend. I only wish I had purchased it sooner. I have listened to it over and over since she died - so sad that there will never be another Amy Farris CD.