Customer Reviews

Apt #6s

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4 star:		(1)
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Being second generation anything must be hard, be it actor or politician, but it must be particularly hard for sports figures and, especially, musicians. Just ask Julian Lennon, Louise Goffin and, to some degree, Jakob Dylan.It's this harsh scrutiny that has caused Sally and Ben Taylor to both shy away from the music industry.....until now. When you have not one but two parents - James Taylor and Carly Simon - who are pretty much icons in the field....well, the stakes are high. That's why it is so cool to see the elder Taylor sibling aquit herself so completely with her sophmore release, the charming and clever "Apt.#6S". While there are definite shadings of both parents on this release, "Apt." owes just as much to Rickie Lee Jones and the whole "girl-with-a-guitar" genre, ranging from Melanie to Jewel. "Apt." opens with "All This Time", an intelligent, airy folkrocker that almost immediately has your fingers thumping on the table and you toes tapping. Taylor's clear, clean voice soars over a catchy melody that is accented by the smart (but never overdone) use of horns (a highlight that is repeated throughout the CD). Next up is "Split Decisions", a wistful throwback to the 60's that sounds anything but dated. Taylor makes such topics as yearning, commitment and doubt sound universal, punctuating it with a beat that eventually builds to an all-out rocker. Track 3 is my favorite; "March Like Soldiers", with it's sexy, sultry vocal, is pure pop silk. The song just washes over you, and you can't help but picture Taylor stepping up to the mike and laying down this awesome vocal. MmmmmmmMmmmmmMmmmmmm.....perfection!Ms. Taylor would be wise to consider this masterpiece for the 2nd single. On the flip side, I would never have picked "4 Kim" as "Apt."'s first single yet, in retrospect, it makes perfect sense. Be it in regard to a lover or old friend, everyone can relate to this sad, sweet song's story of "What If" and "What Was". Also particularly amazing is the haunting "Give Me The Strength". This song, probably more than any other, showcases what a force to be reckoned with Taylor is. Going from hurt to hopeful,Taylor creates someone who initially doubts she can survive but ultimately realizes that, even if she has to beg for it, she will make it. Other gems include the wink-and-a-smile "Convince Me", a mid-tempo rocker that brings up visions of Taylor dancing around a recording studio in a light, airy summer dress, and "Fall For Me", an acid jazz-tinged boiler that slinks along.....until the chorus, when it kicks out the jams and, by song's end, is taking advantage of those killer horns again. "40 Years" is also sweet, with it's chimes, nasty bass line and smokey backroom groove. Wrapping up the CD is the quirky, clever and cute "How Can I?" How often does a pop song put a smile on your face?!? I haven't even mentioned the all-around intelligent lyrics on "Apt. #6S".....this is one of those amazing releases that you want to sit down with the lyric sheet on the second or third listen in order to suck in just how well the lyrics and music blend together. I don't want to mention "the folks" too much - Sally Taylor is, without a doubt, her own person - but I do have to say this....we all know what a HUGE jump Carly Simon took with her third album. With that in mind, I can't wait to see what her daughter does with her next release. Do yourself a favor and pick this CD (as well as her debut release "Tomboy Bride")up......it's one of the best releases of 2000. In short, this lady's the real deal.

I first encountered Sally Taylor's work in the fall of 1998 when her first CD, "Tomboy Bride" came out. Being a fan of her father's, I immediately ordered it to see what the deal was, and I was far from dissapointed. Now, Sally is an artist in her own right, and wishes to be identified as an individual and not only due to her heritage (though she is clearly proud of it and does not hide it). But, I have to say that she is a wonderful amalgamation of dad James Taylor's folk sensibilities and mom Carly Simon's sensual pop verve. Still, Sally has a voice and a style all her own. On Apt.#6S, she shows this, moving between the genres of jazz, rock, folk, and fusion. Her band kicks it out and mellows down with equal success- all are excellent musicians in their own right. An added bonus is brother Ben Taylor's back-up work. Sally covers some stuff (check out an awesome version of "Actress"), and throws out much that is original ("For Kim" is one such beauty). This second effort from a true artist shows continued promise, and we should all stick around to see how this lovely lady is refined over time.

Sally Taylor is, of course, the daughter of Carly Simon and James Taylor and although her musical talent is obvious on "Apt. 6-S," she really sounds nothing like either parent in terms of either her voice or her songwriting choices. That's good news, as it turns out. She might make it big--or big enough--without the inevitable and endless comparisons to her famous parents.

On "All This Time," which opens the album, Taylor examines the dance that happens between a man and a woman as they prepare to fall in love. It's sexy and has terrific lyrics. On "Split Decisions," she harmonizes with brother Ben (of The Ben Taylor Band), and together they do sound uncannily like their parents--but Sally's voice is lighter, more flexible, and sunnier than her mother's. Still, she can summon up smoke and desire when she wants, most notably on "Fall For Me," an ode to a lover's quarrel that features very effective metallic-sounding background horn work by Steve Roach and a splendid, soaring chorus. "Give Me The Strength" may be the only dud on the album--not that there's anything wrong with a good sad song, but it's got depressing lyrics and not enough structural integrity musically to support them. "Convince Me" is a wonderful pop confection complete with luscious backing vocals by Ben Taylor and Reed Foehl. "Nisa" is a gorgeously down-and-dirty tune with only Taylor and strutting guitar licks by Chris Soucy--it's possibly the best thing on an album filled with other good things. The last tune, "How Can I" sounds for all the world like a Blondie composition when Deborah Harry was in her Caribbean-influenced phase--it's a lot of fun.

Sally Taylor has real talent in songwriting, and she's delightful to listen to on this album. Looking forward to more of her work!

"Apt. 6-S" is actually the Sally Taylor Band's second album, the first album, titled, "Tomboy Bride" is available only at band performances and on-line via the web site, at www.sallytaylor.com The web site is an incredible resource for upcoming tour dates, news from the band while on the road or in the recording studio, as well as person and professional insights from the group. Overall the Sally Taylor Band is by far one of the most entertaining, resourceful and accessible of the independent legion of bands (supporting themselves) in recent years.

"Apt. 6-S" in my estimation is a return to honesty and passion that much of today's so called "popular" music drastically lacks. There are few albums being released today for the "right" reasons, and this is one of them. Taylor, along with Chris Soucy (guitar), Kyle Comerford (drums), Kenny Castro (bass) and Chris Delucchi (sound/manager) bring a positive energy to the album, which also translates to the live shows they perform. The band's charisma and growing regional/national popularity extend toward a mutual love of its new and existing fan base, as excitement builds for their future. And, after checking out the web site, if you attend a show-- you can get your CD signed by Taylor in person, with a smile and handshake to boot, which as Sally's Uncle Livingston says, "somehow, a signed album sounds even better than a regular album."

All of the songs on "Apt. 6-S" were written by Taylor (with some songs co-written by Soucy) are believable and heartfelt, especially the classic ode to the regrets you feel when you've distanced yourself from a good friend, in "4 Kim."

From attending multiple shows, a consistent crowd favorite from the album has been "Convince Me," which provides an upbeat and crisp rhythm. An acoustic tune called "Nisa" is a gentle reminder of the high expectations we hold for love in the 21st century. "Split Decisions" and "Strangest of Strangers" have a distinct ready-for-radio feel and each deal with the hard work the band has embraced as well as the barriers endured in its beginnings since 1998.

Folk Rock with a jazz influence may sound a bit vague, but perhaps best describes the flow of the album, which I've enjoyed time and time again-- it's really an album in my collection that I feel will never generate that out-of-date "old music" feel to it. If you wish to take a break from the "fad groups" the record companies continuously throw your way, you'll at least save yourself the trip in the car to `Joe's Used CD Store' next month with your latest "Backstreet Boys" album... ;-) Gas prices are still going up you know...

Seriously though, the Sally Taylor Band no doubt has the direction and ambition to have a long-standing career, but-- at a level that doesn't compromise their integrity. The band members have "earned" their success-- every day, every show, every song, every verse... and every smile. As fan and friend, they are a pleasure to support, and as with any favorite band, I eagerly anticipate more great albums to be released, knowing for a fact, that they'll even "sound better" when they're signed.

Thank you for reading... by P. Hill

Where to begin? Blessed with the incredible talent of her parents, singer-songwriters Carly Simon and James Taylor, Sally Taylor brings something entirely new to the music scene with the release of "Apt. #6s." This album, which along with her first album "Tomboy Bride" has only been available at her shows and on her website until now, is a wonderful display of Sally's songwriting and performing abilities. The music, which has been described as "folk rock", contains twinges of pop, jazz, and folk. Sally's beautiful, expressive voice brings life to her lyrics, which are clever and poetic. This ablum is truly a treasure. With her many influences and variation in song styles, Sally Taylor has something for everyone in "Apt. #6s". You'll love it!

This album took me a few listens to really get into it but when I did, I couldn't stop playing it. There is such a wide variety of styles on the album.

It is easy to try to compare her voice and style to her famous parents (James Taylor and Carly Simon), but believe me she has a style and voice all of her own. Her songs grab you in different ways and on different levels.

She also continues to surprise on this album. Take 'Fall 4 Me' for example I wasn't that thrilled with it when it started off and was about to hit the 'skip' button on my CD player then BAM! she hits you with an amazing chorus. 'Give Me The Strength' is different again, it is gentle but the strength of her voice in it blows you away.

Sally's songs will take you from those you feel you have to get up and dance to, to her personal message for a friend '4 Kim', to observation and reflection and to the quirky. I have also found on her albums a charming recording from when she was a child, placed before her hidden tracks. Keep looking for those pumpkins Sally ;o)

Sally Taylor's CD is amazing :) From the first track to the last, you just become enthralled with her beautiful voice. Her songs are poetry in motion; they bring back the roots of good ole' music. Her skills are a cross between James Taylor and Carly Simon......a must have for anyone looking for a new female artist to enjoy!!!

Sally Taylor brings more to the table than any other new singer/songwriter on the scene. She has a voice that is so smooth, fun, soulful and with a purpose. Her songs are well-written, and the beats are catchy and edgy enough. She will take you on a ride. She can be fun, sad, uplifting, but always engaging. Convince Me and NISA are by far the best song, followed by 4 kim and Give Me The Strength. While the album is good listening, hearing her intimate live shows take her to a whole different level. She just knows how to perform.

Sally's CD Apt. #6S is one of the greatest CDs I own. She not only has a voice more beautiful than any of my other favorite singer-songwriters, but she also can write! I mean WRITE. And to top it all off, she is a real person who never hesitates to thank her fans and make them feel loved. This CD gets more re-play in my home and car than almost any other. Sally will be one of the first to tell you that some of the best music out there waiting to be heard is by independent artists, and she herself could not be a more perfect case in point!

When Sally Taylor is very good, she sparkles with promise. "All This Time," the opening track, a pop diamond, is on my song rotation of favorite tracks. Of her two famous musical parents, Sally favors her mother's voice, "She don't even come when they call her name." Reed Foehl of Acoustic Junction and that band's more electric incarnation on Capricorn Records, Fool's Progress, lends background vocals on this and other tracks. "Split Decisions" has crackling electric guitar and shows how expansive Taylor's voice can be. "March Like Soldiers" has gorgeous harmonies. "For Kim" is a song to an estranged friend, "We get caught up in the memories we don't love." A saxophone creates a late night smokey mood on "Give Me Strength," "Are you sorry to the face in the mirror?" "Convince Me" is another of my favorite tracks with its tight pop chops, "Now you're my lover, you've got me chained in my heart." "40 Years" doesn't completely work for me where Sally sings, "I'm still haunted by my fears." "Nisa" is a nice number with good lyrics, "Why is it me who always falls for these guys who always leave me with my pain?" "Without Me," with a poem superimposed and percussion suited to clogging, also falls a bit short for me, "He falls in love without me." "Immortal" is disjointed guitar noodling. "How Can I?" is a nice off-center pop tune with a distinctive melody. The child's "pumpkin" song on the hidden track is precious and would have been enough without the added track that makes "Immortal" seem like a well constructed song. It is interesting to hear second generation rockers. "Apt #6S" works better that Chris Stills' 100 Year Flood, but perhaps not as well as Teddy Thompson's Virgin CD (son of Richard & Linda). This CD has moments of brilliance that you will not want to miss.