Customer Reviews

Calling Over Time

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

 

 

I first heard the song "Temporaray loan" (the first on the album) on a compilation. I found it wonderful: a song without many effects, a few chords, but an incredible atmosphere, absolutely mesmerizing. Infinite sadness, but quiet, without desperation. A few months later, I saw Edith Frost on stage in France, opening for the "Dutch Harbour" project (a silent documentary about fishing in Alaska, with a live soundtrack played by Edith's musicians). Beautiful gig. I bought the album which was really difficult to find. "Temporary loan" is maybe the best song, but all the others, including some happier ones, are great. I think Jim O'Rourke produced it. or maybe John McEntire. There are many Chicago post-rock musicians playing on it, and also Sean O'Hagan (High Llamas). They play just as they should, supporting lightly Edith's voice. If you like Cowboy Junkies, Tarnation, and all the new folk-country-indie scene, you will love this record.

If you haven't discovered Edith Frost by now (and if you're reading this review -- you must have and are curious), you really need to take 5 minutes out of your life to listen to her CD. Soulful, purposeful, passionate....quiet. This is how I would sum up Edith Frost and especially her release "Calling Over Time."

You will be stunned by her music. Edith Frost is part of the Drag City crew, and you can find her on several other artists' releases. She is excellent on her own and she definitely adds a little extra to other's releases too. Nothing flashy, just down home alternative rock/country/folk....there's probably a million other ways to "categorize" her music, but I'll you, dear listener, be that judge.

this record rides frost's marvelous vocals, as well as the subtle movements of the soft-spoken tracks, to become one of the greastest records i have heard. frost's quirky sense of line and rhythm add an almost etheral effect to an otherwise earthy record. on her debut album, frost shows grace, and reserve that is seldom seen in other artists that have been recording for years.

It's appropriate that Frost finds her home on Drag City, the same record label that brought The Palace Brothers and Smog to the public eye. Much like her labelmates, Frost is all acoustic guitars, pianos, and maybe a moog thrown in for good measure. What makes her particularly engaging is that while her lyrics are faintly remorseful and hushed, they also mask a kind of breathy sexuality. It's the sort of record you put on in the dead middle of winter, or when you're lying in bed with your lover-- I guess, whichever comes first. Frost's everygirl-type vocals and free folksy sound are reminiscent of another female lo-fi great, Barbara Manning. Imagine her belting out her tunes on an old piano in a bar at the edge of town-- or strumming away quietly in her bedroom at night. Either way, you can't lose with this.

Calling Over Time is that record you've been looking for...the one record you can put on when your alone in your room with a dim candle-light shimmering in the corner. You press play on your stereo sending forth the first haunting chord, and another, then a warm rush of energy tingles up your spine like a spider crawlling on her web: and angel softly cooes the most lush and beautiful sound you've ever heard...that's Edith Frost.

Calls to mind "Dream a Little Dream" by Mama Cass. Distant, introspective. Hints of Leonard Cohen and Mazzy Star surface as possible influences. I can play this disc over and over without tiring of it. Perhaps this is its only shortcoming: less than 40 minutes long. More, please, Edith.