Customer Reviews

Because It Feel Good

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

 

 

You never know what to expect from Kelly. Her two Jody Grind albums didn't fit into any recognizable genres. Her first solo album, the cathartic "Whistle Only Dogs Can Hear", was, in my opinion, uneven, but that's what grief will do to an artist. She displayed her guitar talents when she was with the Rock*A*Teens rather than her voice. And "Beneath the Country Underdog" was a great, great album, a true gem of what insurgent country can be. And what I love about Kelly more than anything on her albums was her voice, the way I had to stop thinking or doing what I had been and just listen to her talk about heartbreak or love or lust or staying at a bar too long. You never had to guess what she was feeling or what she was singing about. Wonderful talent.

But someone at Bloodshot Records, someone who I've never met, someone who doesn't know me, someone who may be Kelly herself toned her voice down in this album, hid it behind the music. Great songs, great lyrics, great subjects, but I want Kelly out front, Kelly, the cowgirl, the bar scene queen, singing only to me.

I know what to expect from Kelly Hogan's music--superlative taste in what artists to cover, excellent originals, a band with chops to spare and Kelly's wonderful voice.

All of these are present on this release, one that doesn't grab you immediately like her prior release with the Pine Valley Cosmonauts. But in many ways this CD is even better.

The production is a little inconsistent. On 'In Time' Hogan sounds great on the verses; then on the chorus her voice suddenly sounds muddled. Here's some advice to the producer: Hogan's voice is simply great...it doesn't need dressing up.

Hogan has made another CD that, while not vital, offers the listener a great time. It was on my best of 2001 list.

Very beautiful songs, can listen to them over and over. Favorites are No, Bobby Don't and Strayed. Also a wonderful performer live, definately check her out if she comes to your town.

This album isn't as much fun as Beneath the Country Underdog, but it's still Kelly Hogan and her amazing voice and that alone makes it better than 99% of other releases. It also has one my favorite songs ever - Hogan's version of "Strayed" which is unbelievable. "Strayed" manages to be sexy, low-down, and sad all at once. I also really like her original songs, "No, Bobby Don't" and "Sugarbowl" (the double entendres in this one are great).

I wish she'd release a new album soon!

YAY! this was a great album! i loved it!