Customer Reviews

Beau Woes

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I first came across this CD about 5 years ago and I have laughed each time I have listened ever since. It was only when this CD was stolen that I realised how much I missed not only the tunes of each track - but also the humour and wit of the lyrics. As a woman, Christine's lyrics say all I want to hear about relationships and life. Biological time-bomb could have been written about all my friends now in their 30's. And the thought of anyone writing a love song about Prince Charles has me in stitches each time I hear it! If you want laughter with tunes - this CD is a great listen.

Whether you are nodding along with Lavin's sad story about being the last to be chosen in "Ballad of a Ballgame" or realizing that you too have let moments slip away when you could have touched the life of another while listening to "The Moment Slipped Away", you can't help but connect to every single song on this cd. In the songs "Summer Wedding" and "Roses From the Wrong Man" Christine puts into words what many of us think but never say, and exposes our self-centeredness without judging it too harshly. Interspersed with funny and punchy toe tappers like "Camping" , "Air Conditioner" and "Amoeba Hop" this is Christine at her best. I highly recommend this, especially if you are a first time Lavin listener.

Like Christine Lavin herself, Beau Woes (& Other Problems of Modern Life) is a collection of quirky and eccentric folk music. Adoring fans refer to Christine as a "cult" hero. Her work is contemporary and smart, maybe a little too witty for the masses. Beau Woes includes some bubbly, silly and hey-do-you-get-it songs; as well as sentimental and heart-tugging material. Those invisible creatures of the microbial world are enjoying themselves in `Amoeba Hop.' `Prince Charles' lampoons the future (maybe) king of England. Christine answers many of life's profound questions such as "Why wound any rational person want to live in the dirt for several days?" - `Camping.' My favorite July-August song is `Air Conditioner'. When Christine gets serious, her perspective on contemporary romance is affecting. `Getting Use To Leavin,' and `Roses From the Wrong Man' are sensitive and poignant. My favorite cut, the medley `All I Have To Do Is Dream/A Summer Song' fits into neither category: the composition is an exercise in luscious harmony. All in all, Beau Woes is an refreshing mix of levity and seriousness.

Not being too familiar with Christine Lavin's work, I came upon this recording with an open mind. I've often heard her referred to more as a comedienne than a musician, but I was pleased by some of the tracks on "Beau Woes (And Other Problems Of Modern Life)."

Lavin hosts a stellar group of musicians here. No less than Eric Andersen, Robin Batteau, David Buskin, Frank Christian, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplanski, John Kruth, Rod MacDonald, and Dave Van Ronk make guest appearances. Batteau is also the album's co-producer (with Lavin).

Comprised mostly of tongue-in-cheek type originals, Lavin performs best when not trying to be funny, most of the time, the exception being the wonderful "Biological Time Bomb." Also outstanding are the the covers "All I Have To Do Is Dream"/"A Summer Song" and the original "The Moment Slipped Away," a simple, elegant, wistful tale.