Customer Reviews

Color & the Light

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

 

 

I've seen Jennifer play a few times acoustically, and own her last self-titled release, which is also acoustic. So I was totally unprepared for the full band sound on "The Color and the Light". While she's been drawing comparisons to early Liz Phair in the press, I hear much more (and it probably helps that I don't own any Liz Phair releases to limit those comparisons).

The music on "The Color and the Light," whether it is the guitar twang of "Beg or Borrow Days" the hushed, acoustic guitar of "Saved" or the layered, electric guitar on "Yer Copout" (which reminds me of Mazzy Star), serves as an excellent accompaniment to her lyrics. There is a variety of musical styles here, from the heavier fuzz-rock guitar on "Million Dollar Smile" to the softly acoustic "The Thought of You," but the lyrical thread that runs through the CD draws everything together. Many of those lyrics deal with motivation and stagnation; the desire to want so much more and how we often serve as our own best enemy.

Probably "Yer Copout" and "Why Don't You Do" (in which I hear early Suzanne Vega) are my favorite songs on the CD, although I really don't hear any lesser tracks on this release.

This is one of those indie gems that I hope more people hear. Jennifer has a real talent to my ears, and more people deserve to be exposed to her music. I have probably played this CD almost every day since I got it; and keep hearing more on it. I am really looking forward to her touring this summer.

Now that Liz is lost in the Matrix, Brooklyn's Jennifer O'Connor (originally from Connecticut) picks up the ball and buck-n-runs with it. Right from the get-go, The Color And The Light explodes with some of the most compelling mid-fi indie since Exile; O'Connor shares Phair's deep register, droll delivery and the endearingly limited vocal range that enhances expressiveness rather than hinders it. While these parallels serve as a savvy calling card, O'Connor quickly outpaces them. She's a more proficient guitarist and (should we go there?) whip-smart songwriter, as evidenced on sparse tracks like the haunting "Saved." She's flexible enough to spike the mix with an occasional twanger, and descriptive enough to breathe lyrical life into boy/girl battles without resorting to sexual bluntness. On the album's second half, O'Connor relies on sheets of melodic feedback for a gauzy dream-pop effect, vowing on the sparkling "Beg Or Borrow Days," "I'm gonna drink black coffee all night long/Until I write the perfect song." Based on the trajectory of The Color And The Light, she may not even need as much as a venti.
- Glen Sarvady

Jennifer's going to be big. She has an album due out on Matador in the near future, so if you want to brag that you caught onto her first, get this record. Filled with smart, heartfelt lyrics illuminated by O'Connor's slightly husky voice, the mood varies from the upbeat on songs like 'Hole In the Road' to the beautiful, haunting strains of 'The Color and the Light'. Overall, a near-perfect collection of low-fi indie rock; just gorgeous.

The title track is better than any single song Azure Ray have ever made. The album flows really well, as O'Connor's smoky voice suthes the listener into a dreamy fog. (how poetic)

Everyone who listens to this cd must have ALOT of time on their hands. The singer and the music are tasteless! All of the people who listen to this cd need to get a life or atleast go watch viva la bam or sumthing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If i could i would give it zero stars!!!!!!!!!!! I have more fun watchin grass grow than listening to this cd !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!