Customer Reviews

Beautiful Lumps of Coal

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I live near & work in Ann Arbor, the bastion of liberalism and the who-are-you-looking-at attitude in Michigan. My best friend lives in Grand Rapids, home of Zondervan, the Dutch Reformed church, and tasteful women's pantsuits . For some reason, they put the wimpy Christian radio stations on *my* side of the state---the ones that just play Barney song sound-alikes ("I love Him, He loves me") or what singer songwriter Bob Franke calls "Jesus is my girlfriend" songs (write pop song, add Jesus & stir); while the reactionary "west coast" of the penninsula has stations that play Christian rock that hits hard.... either in volume, style or in the pointed nature of their lyrics.

So when I visit my friend, I look forward to hearing those stations until they fade out on the way home. This last time, I got to hear not only an interview by the driving force of Plumb, Ms. Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, but the entire content of this CD! It hits hard in all the right ways. I immediately purchased it when I got home & it's been on my changer ever since.

This is not a recording that jumps out at you as "Christian Music." I don't think it just preaches to the choir, as most stuff in that genre does. Plumb talks about life...the sort of matter that believers and non-believers alike can relate to. It does not shy away from sin, selfishness, eating disorders, the sturm & drang of parent/adolescent relations (I have yet to listen to "Boys Don't Cry" without having to wipe my own tears),and abuse. But with a background of the first awakenings of new and blossoming love, and a young woman finding her own independence,it paints altering hues, not just darkness.

Arbuckle-Lee's voice, and the music, is (no pun intended)divine. She cites Suzanne Vega, Patty Griffin, and Leigh Nash as influences; with her own stamp, she's incorporated some of each in a voice that can be vulnerable, strong, and always siren-like.

Plumb doesn't use "Christian-ese". Jesus is all over this CD in that the lyrics show a mature knowledge of his teachings, even though his name is never mentioned in the songs. And to some, due in part to our own clumsiness in communicating it in other times, the message may come across better that way.

After years of waiting, finally, tiffany has released another album. I've been looking forward seeing Plumb in action since her candycoatedwaterdrops (is one of my favorites). Plumb is actually known here in the Philippines. Songs such as stranded, here with me, world's collide, lie low, were big hits. Beautiful lumps of coal, says plumb, is an autobiography of some sort. Every song has its own share of tiffany's life. Would you believe that the song "taken" was actually written for the ex of her husband? Yes everyone! she already has a husband who might have all the more inspired her to craft beautiful songs. Why in the world would someone make a song for your present lover's ex? Don't ask me. I guess, the song was made as a gratitude for making her husband the way he is now. She actually visited the Philippines last August of 2003 to promote this album. I was too eager to watch her live, but since the concert was in Manila (I'm from Davao), I have nothing to do but to feel envious. Heck! I got hold of her album. Check out these tracks:"sink and swim", "later", "nice, naive, and beautiful", love 'em! If you want candycoatedwaterdrops, you'd love this one too.

Plumb's sophomore album, "candycoatedwaterdrops", wowed fans with its rare, perfect blend of radio-friendly and hard-rocking female-fronted rock. The guitars complemented Tiffany Arbuckle's exquisite vocals perfectly, hip and catchy but never growing passe. It was a hard act to follow, but "Beautiful Lumps of Coal" is an absolute success.

Plumb's voice is incredible, as expressive and melodious as ever. She is beautifully tender at times, soaring effortlessly, yet able to belt out strong and clear rockers too. As she said on her website, "It's rock. It's roll. All the way."

Production is top-notch, with Plumb producing or co-producing 5 of the tracks herself. Jay Joyce does most of the rest, and they're all awesome. Each song has a unique sound, with clever use of guitar sounds, drums, and programming. Whether it's a ballad with strings or a fast-paced love song with a back-beat, the music is a rich acoustic feast for the ears.

As always, lyrics are intelligent, poignant and penetrating. The songs are fun to sing along with, but have a depth that makes for entertaining and thought-provoking listening.

Bottom line: a great album, packed with excellent songs. Fans new and old should love it.

Since I discovered Plumb a little over 3 months ago thanks to the film Brokedown Palace I've been almost infactuated with their music. I like how they, now she, blends rock and pop so seemlessly. Plumb is a band I'm in no way ashamed of liking. Where the popular people of pop music say they're doing it for the music you know they're not. But in Plumb's case, I do feel that she loves what she's doing. I've heard the Greatest Hits CD, candycoatedwaterdrops, and now Beautiful Lumps Of Coal, and I have to say that in all of those CDs I've yet to hear a song I don't like. Once I heard that Tiffany and the rest of the band split leaving only Tiffany to claim the name of Plumb, I figured the 'solo' releases wouldn't be as good, but boy was I wrong. If anything she's become more sure of her voice and the music has taken a more decidedly rock edge to it. With both of these reasons, there is no reason to not run out and buy this right now.

Free starts the CD off on a high note. I feel when a CD starts off this good the rest will follow in it's path. And my notion is proven right in this case. This song quickly measures up to Plumb's earlier greats such as Late Great Planet Earth. So you know you're in for a wonderful ride from the get-go. Boys Don't Cry is quite possibly some of Tiffany's strongest material to date. It's a touching song if I've ever heard one and you feel as if you can relate to every word she says. Walk Away, while sounding completely upbeat, is actually a sad song. But in the end it sounds as if it's more of a declaration if anything. Taken is a beautiful ballad-type song. While not being a highlight, it sets itself apart with a lush melody and great vocals. Nice Naive And Beautiful is the best song on here. I don't think anyone could say something bad about this song and be able to stand behind it. The way I see it, Tiffany puts herself in someone elses shoes and tells their story. Anyone who can do that successfully, such as she has done, is a good songwriter because that's not easy. Real is a song any person with feelings will be able to identify with, especially women. Yet another great song. Go is an appropriate ballad closer. After 10 songs of mostly upbeat melodies, it's a great choice to save a beautiful ballad for last. Go is really a ballad that people could take notes from, there's excellent use of strings, a perfect backdrop of music, everything is executed as it should've been.

My favorite songs on here are Free, Boys Don't Cry, Walk Away, Nice Naive And Beautiful, and Real. Plumb plays Christian music the way it should be played. They don't beat you over the head with excerpts from the Bible, they just slide in vague references. While I hate to say it, Plumb has gotten a bit better since the band left, Tiffany has really had the chance to shine and I hope to see wonderful things from her in the future.

Plumb is an awesome artist, who has a bit of a feel like Jewel, but with a bit edgier sound. This CD is easy listening, with clear vocals and music that touches your heart and a beat that gets you singing at the top of your lungs.
Give it a spin and you'll agree!

The album is nothing short of amazing. Plumb is definitely an incredible new talent. I was fortunate enough to hear some of her music on an airplane and bought both of her albums the next day. The musical style can be compared to Michelle Branch or Alanis Morrisette, but it is no way derivative. This album (her second) improves upon the foundation she laid in her first album, candycoatedwaterdrops, which I also highly recommend. Plumb has an amazing voice, and is one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the business. It is very refreshing to see someone so young with such great vision and the talent to bring that vision to life. There are no throw-away tracks on this album, but here are my personal favorites: Sink or Swim, Boys Don't Cry, Nice, Naïve, and Beautiful, and Real. I want to emphasize Boys Don't Cry-the album's best track, and it is NOT a remake of the Cure song with the same title. Boys Don't Cry is nothing short of a masterpiece and really defines Plumb as an artist.

I know my review has established high expectations, but I was simply blown away by Plumb. If you enjoy singer-songwriters, or any good music for that matter, Plumb will leave you very satisfied!

This Plumb album has the potential to be a monster hit across the world. The single Real is Number Two in MTVs Asia chart.
The album and Plumbs vocal performance is simply beautiful. Im sure this album will appeal to fans of Heart, Sarah Mclachlan, Pat Benetar and all of todays young hopefuls e.g Avril and M Branch.

Plumb songs will be listened to for years, as this is great songwriting. The track, 'Sink n Swim' has a rich melody with undercurrents of the Edges (U2) sounding guitar work. 'Taken' is a superb power ballad as good as any of Hearts best works. At times Plumb lets rip and rocks. At others her vocals are tender and delicate. 'Nice, Niaive and Beautiful' is very much in the veign of Sarah Mclachlan. It is a breathy piano ballad. T

The album has no weak songs and ends with the superb single Real. Her talents are supported by rich solid musician work. You can hear something new in every listen. If you like adult rock or female vocals - Plumb sounds better than many of todays superstars.

Watch out! Plumb wont be a secret for long - so buy this and proclaim - You were there first. This is not another Chritstian record with sentimental lyrics it is a classic of rock and pop genre.

Is it possible that singer Tiffany Arbuckle has seen into my heart and journeyed to my soul because it haunts me that Beautiful lumps of Coal seems to depict my life and feelings exactly! I am blown away by this new album...I didn't think it possible for Plumb to outdo their previous 'Candy Coated waterdrops' but (and I can't believe I'm going to say this) I think I like it even better! It's a tough call though. So all I'll say is that Tiffany and all who worked on the album are incredibly talented (understatement) and Plumb is the best thing since sliced bread!

I've been a Plumb fan since about 1999 when I first heard the single "Stranded". I loved the song and so I invested in the full-length album "Candycoatedwaterdrops" without ever hearing another song from it. The album was only halfway disappointing, meaning, I loved about 5 or so of the songs and didn't really care for the other 5 or so. Well when I heard that Tiffany was returning to released "Beautiful Lumps Of Coal", I was sketcy, but still wanted to hear what she had to offer this time around, I mean after, artists do grow, right?

well I took the chance again, and this time I was happy I did. There is not a single disappointment song on the entire album.

My personal favorites are "Boys Don't Cry", "Without You", "Hold Me", "Free", and "Nice, Naive, & Beautiful".

The music for the most part is fresh, positive, uplifting and upbeat. The songs are definitely catcy music with a point, which is so refreshing from what you hear on mainstream radio these days.

Whats so great about Plumb is that even though its technically Christian rock, I have friends that aren't even Christians that love this.

you gotta check this out, It will have you hooked.

I just love this band! Tiffany Arbuckle Lee has a voice that can jerk tears from you at any moment. Her strong vocals and powerful messages really blend, and although there are no messages about God that "pop out" they're there in the way she sings the lyrics to each song. I only came upon this band last night, looking at someones website where one of there songs was posted, without of course, a name of the song and band. I'm pretty sure that I spend a whole hour trying to find the name of the band and when I finally did within 20 minutes candycoatedwaterdrops and Beautiful Lumps of Coal had been downloaded.. My next stop?? To the store to actually buy the cd's.