Customer Reviews

From the Burnpile

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

 

 

I have always thought that cello rock is an extremely interesting and bizarre genre of music. After discovering its existance with bands like Rasputina, I was hooked. Bonfire Madigan's first full-length album, From The Burnpile, not only has a cello, but has, unlike Rasputina, guitars, drums, organ, contrabass, and turntables. Bonfire Madigan has a indie rock kind of accessibility, also unlike Rasputina with their strange humor. Lead singer/songwriter/cellist Madigan Shive's voice is not only gorgeous, but distinct, expressive, and emotional, like the cello itself, in fact. Shive's voice, in songs like "Snowfell Summer," jump from sweet to fiery to delicate and papery. In "For Life Long" she is hyperactive, voice range jumping all over the scale. Just before the song's climactic finish, after Shive first coaxes us with her original spirt, building steadily out of a soft, barely-there bridge, she falls into an urgent whisper which almost immediately shifts into a cat-like shriek. This alternates back to an even softer whisper before the sound becomes huge and full with Madigan Shive's vibrant command - "Don't you go away from me!" Madigan Shive does write beautiful lyrics, which compliment her voice tremendously. Whether fierce ("I refuse to be a window display today") or sweet ("I'm trying to write you a love song because I know it's time you heard one") or amusing ("Junebug, get outta my cello") or just poetically and visually interesting ("We were burned by that brand new snow"), Shive's voice and lyrics are always tied beautifully with the music. This album proves that the cello is indeed appropriate and welcome for all moods. It weeps in "Promised" and dances in "Backseat Buoy" and laughs in "Junebug." Songs like "Anthemic Amendments" make appropriate use of the turntables and sampling. Even with only ten tracks, Bonfire Madigan's From The Burnpile proves not only to be amazing and beautiful, but defiantly eclectic. Anyone who appreciates the cello or an intriguing voice will enjoy this album. This amazing recording proves true "Tinikling On A Tightrope"'s repeated sampling that "change is good, necessay, and inevitable."

possibly the most stunning piece of contemplative, universal art-folk since Drake's _Pink Moon_, Bonfire Madigan's Kill Rock Stars debut _...From The Burnpile_ paints a bitter, hopeful, and unusually danceable view of modern queer life. The sort of disc you'd want to hear in the vintage shop on the other side of town that you never get a chance to go to until finally you do and find the perfect $10 shirt. Highly reccomended.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first unwrapped this CD. At the time, all I knew of Madigan's music were two songs from an earlier recording that a friend of mine included on a comp tape he had given me. Both of which I liked. So I decided I should check out "...from the Burnpile". After listening to it twice (back to back), I have to say that not only was I glad I bought it, but that I was and continue to be truly impressed. It's raw, dynamic and full of feeling. Sheri Ozeki's upright bass and the backbeats--provided by Tomas and Sunshine Haire--create a groove that immediately makes you tap your foot and bop your head up and down. I don't understand what the "music fan from Michigan (below)" means by her lyrics "don't make any sense." What's nonsensical about "Over my dead body / You'll touch me or her" (Anthemic Amendments) or, "Everything that's real seems to be illegal / Hunger, homelessness / Living high on your dreams" (Backseat Buoy)? I don't know who Jen Wood is, but I'm a music fan as well and I really really like this record.

When I first listened to this CD I was stunned. At last! I thought. Someone has finally returned to making innovative music. Music in the vein of early Bowie, Patti Smith & Rickie Lee Jones. Music that blows the doors off the boundaries of the mundane strum and hum we've all resigned ourselves to accepting. No, Madigan is not Jen Wood, thank god. She's a thought provoking artist who has fused melody and art in such a way that she's not only rewriting the future of pop music, she's dictating how we listen to it. This album is simply a brilliant musical relflection of what will(hopefully) become of our society as we cross into the new millennium: it takes a little of everything, every genre, every history, every experience, every soul and creates something totally new. Can't wait to see where she takes us next.

"...from the burnpile" is a very good cd, and i can personally say that i liked it immediately. songs such as "smoke signals from the burnpile" and "for life long (scars)" are definitely very catchy, whereas "dishes and spoons" could be perceived as very tragic, and completely heartfelt. basically, there is something for everyone on this cd. madigan has a beautiful, infectious voice, which compensates for the fact that she may not be the strongest cello player, at least on this cd. if you want a highly listenable punk/rock/folk-y hybrid, purchase this cd. if you were more interested in the cello part, i would recommend rasputina...but that is another story. *meaningless ramblings from the strange little girl in striped tights*

Madigan's voice is beautifully strong and songs like anthemic amendments really show her talent.

I saw Madigan in concert at Bumbershoot (in Seattle) this year and she was simply amazing--like Tori Amos on cello.

I've been enthusiastically listening to Madigan perform live and hearing her recordings for many years, and this is by far the best thing she's put out - with her band Bonfire Madigan, solo or with Tattle Tale (no slight to Jen Wood intended). I think Madigan will continue growing as an artist and she will do better (this is still a shoestring budget indie production), but it really is a great CD. Certain songs definitely stand out as winners - "Anthemic Amendments", "Snow Fell Summer" and "Smoke Signals from the Burnpile" leap to mind. The CD makes great use of Madigan voice, Sheri Ozeki's bass and the beats provided by Tomas and Sunshine Haire. Unfortunately, the amazing Shelley Doty is under utilized on guitar. She adds incredible textures that are buried too low in the mix. This version of "Backseat Buoy" pales by comparison to the original on the 7 inch single put out by K Records - the original includes Sheri's haunting bassline, and Shelley's guitar can actually be heard. On the up side, "Anthemic Amendments" not only is a lyrical powerhouse, it packs a punch by counterbalancing Madigan's defiantly expressive delivery on vocals with Shelley's richly soulful voice. Madigan's written some powerful songs here, is a dynamic performer of style and substance, and has put together a wonderful array of supporting talent. I've listened to this CD over and over again, and while it's not perfect, if you're interested in an innovative band that makes a statement lyrically and makes you want to move musically, then Bonfire Madigan's "...from the Burnpile" is a wonderful choice.

Sorry ya'll. My opinion of this record is not a good one. I didn't necessarily expect it to be like Jen Wood's solo stuff, but this other half of "Tattle Tale" is severely lacking melody and that ol' thing called "pitch". There a couple of good tunes, but most of the disc is hard edged and hard to listen to. Check out Jen Wood's "Getting Past the Static" It is a totally different experience.

Yuck! I don't know what this listener below from Boston is talking about. This cd is severely lacking in all areas of talent. She can't sing...can't play cello and is hard pressed to write a thoughtful lyric. Jen Wood is a far superior musician and singer. Plus her lyrics make some sense. It doesn't surprise me that they no longer play together. Buy Jen Wood's "Getting Past the Static". I beg you to skip "From the Burnpile". You will be wanting to shrink wrap it and send it back if you buy it.