Customer Reviews

Circles & Arrows

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Bette Midler in person not long after Bette recorded one of Cheryl's songs from this CD, "I Know This Town". At the time, we were standing outside a radio station Bette had just visited, which was around the corner from the bar where Cheryl started out playing music, and not far from where Cheryl grew up. So I mentioned that to Bette and Bette said that she had heard Cheryl at the Bottom Line in NYC and was a big fan of Cheryl's. That should tell you something!! In addition to Bette Midler, artists such as Garth Brooks, Dan Seals, Suzy Boggus and Peter Paul & Mary have all recorded Cheryl's songs. Cheryl is clearly an artist whose talent other musicians and singers recognize and appreciate. In the early 70's when she was first staring out, I had the great pleasure of listening to Cheryl sing twice a week over a two year period in Towson, Maryland and I have been a huge fan ever since. Not just a fan of her talent and music, but a fan of her as a funny, warm, sensitive and caring person who does not hold back and shares her humor and insights, and the joy and pain of her loves, passions, hurts and fears. She invites you to feel with her and you do, and you know the experience has lifted you up, even if the song is about hurt and pain. I have taken many friends with me over the years to her concerts and without fail, they have all become big fans too. I think we'll need to rent a bus for the next concert! Cheryl is one of the most talented and prolific singer songwriters around. "Arrow" is one of my favorite songs of all time. Do yourself a favor and buy all of her CD's and her concert video. Cheryl has a great sense of humor (listen to "Estate Sale") and her concerts are always fun and warm. It's like she has taken you home and is singing to you on her front porch. She'll make you laugh, she'll make you cry, and mostly she'll make you glad that you stopped to listen!

After listening patiently for 5 days for my local folk station to count down from 100, I remember feeling a bit disappointed and righteously indignant when my favorite album, Circles and Arrows hadn't been played by number 10. "Driving Home" made the list at number 9...

I should have had more faith....

This collection still reigns as my favorite of all time and it is obvious that I was not alone. Cheryl's songwriting talent is beautifully showcased in this work. From "Arrow" and her story of a heart waiting to find a home, to "Estate Sale", she tells us once again that humanity is well.... human. Her haunting delivery of the sound of a broken heart in "Aces" and "Don't Wanna" is another testament to the power of her lyrics.

This is an album that brings contemporary folk music to those who never knew the genre would speak to their souls or tickle their funny bones.

I first heard of Cheryl when Estate sale got a lot of airplay on the radio station I listened to at the time. It is a song in which Cheryl takes an amusing look at people going through dead people's houses wondering what they have collected. Cheryl's albums always contain at least one humorous song, but she also writes and sings serious songs.

I know this town (which has been covered by Bette Midler) is a song about Cheryl's hometown and the memories it holds. Northern girl is about being homesick for the south. Aces (one of several songs about love's problems) became the title track of a Suzy Bogguss album after Suzy covered the song.

Cheryl's music is hard to classify - it generally leans towards folk, but there are country and pop influences in there too. Maybe this is why Cheryl has not been more successful - we live an era where (unfortunately) people are expected to specialize. I've never worried about how popular a singer is, only about how good they are. Cheryl has carved her own musical niche - there's nobody else quite like her. And this is possibly her best album.

Cherly Wheeler recorded this album in nashville on Capital Records way back in 1990. This is a little more mainstream sounding then her later efforts and contains many country hits. Suzy Boggoss has covered Aces, Moonlight and Roses and Don't Wanna. This is also the home of her version of I Know This Town (Bette Midler, Juice Newton). To my knowledge only 3 of these songs have not been covered. This is a must have for anyone who loves a great voice, great songs and folk or country music. Highlights include her humerous look as Estate Sales, (going through dead peoples houses...)and the homesick ballad Northern Girl. Do yourself a favor if you have not heard her and get this album, and dont miss her in concert. Her humor is outragous.

All the previous reviews echo my sentiments, but more exactly and the reason I came shopping here;
I have been moving my CD library onto my Mac. Taking the time occasionally to rate songs that often play in background. I've always loved this particular album, but I realized that THIS collection "Circles & Arrows" had acquired TOP ranking (of several hundred) with 7 tracks @ five stars and 4 tracks @ four stars. Noteworthy accomplishment on Cheryl's part.
I personally think there are relatively few that could cover her works with the rare balance of strong and masterfully blended musicianship coupled with her personal style and (awsome) voice exibited herein. BTW- Arrow is remarkable.

Just a note to those who might be put off by Wheeler's mix of contry-folkish songs and humorous novelties: "Arrow" is one of the most beautiful, affecting, and accomplished songs you will ever hear. If it were the only song she ever wrote, it would be enough to grant her a place in the pantheon.

Bette Midler recorded "I Know this Town". Hear the songwriter's rendition.

Wheeler has a rich voice, a unique vision, a tender heart and is one of the funniest folk writers working today. This is a must for any collection.

My favorite Cheryl Wheler tape. Bought this one without even hearing it and found out I liked it the best. Cheryl has such a crisp clear voice that can be either real touching on softer songs or full of body on those full of energy cuts. Everyone I've shared this tape with has enjoyed both her song writing talents and her strong vocals.

Sets the standard for contemporary singer/songwriter folk music. Beautifully written, poignant songs. Includes Cheryl's classic "Northern Girl" and perhaps the best written song ever, "Arrow" (this version containing the additional fiddle arrangement). Cheryl's songs are simple, yet capture you immediately in their universal themes.

New to folk music? Start and end with Cheryl Wheeler!

Just a note to those who might be put off by Wheeler's mix of country-folkish songs and humorous novelties: "Arrow" is one of the most beautiful, affecting, and accomplished songs you will ever hear. If it were the only song she ever wrote, it would be enough to grant her a place in the pantheon.