A Crash Course in Roses

Catie Curtis

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 3, 1999)
• Original Release Date: August 3, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B00000JRM5
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #115,836 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
A Crash Course in Roses finds Boston-based singer-songwriter Catie Curtis streamlining the sound that made her 1997 self-titled release a critical breakthrough. Eschewing lush string and horn arrangements, she allows her songwriting and singing to take center stage on this 13-song set of midtempo, acoustic-flavored folk-pop. An excellent group of musicians (including Morphine drummer Billy Conway) create an intimate backdrop for Curtis's warm, enticing voice. The spare, no-frills arrangements complement the simple honesty of love songs such as "Gave Me Love" and "Magnolia Street." While Curtis clearly works the same musical and emotional terrain as Shawn Colvin and Mary Chapin Carpenter (who sings backup vocals here), she lacks their lyrical and musical bite. These are pretty songs and, taken together, they make for a pretty--though not exceptional--collection. --Percy Keegan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly good, June 17, 2000

By	Tim Weber (Iowa) - See all my reviews

When you are absolutely floored by an album from a genre that is nowhere near your favorite, you know it's great. I bought this CD after hearing the beautiful "100 Miles" on public radio, and was delighted I took the chance. This is the best album of 1999. No question. Curtis gives her singer/songwriter folk songs an occasional rhythmic kick in the pants that does wonders for them. "World Don't Owe Me", "Wise to the Ways", "What's the Matter", "Fall Away": all magnificent. The second half of the CD is less astonishing, but overall this is highly, highly recommended. That voice! Beautiful and ordinary, like your dear friend who sings. Clever, understated lyrics that cling to you like benign leeches. This is the kind of CD that makes you wish you knew her. Buy this.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let me play just one more song, October 15, 2003

By	Rebecca Johnson "SeasonedwithLove.com" (Washington State) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Even if the world "don't owe her nothing," Catie Curtis is still willing to lay her troubles down and play one more song. Many songs seems to be dealing with the confusion we often feel in relationships when our world if falling apart. Whether it is a relationship where you have been completely honest or one where you have secrets.

Catie Curtis delves into the world of pain, love, loss and even hope. You can hear the longing for unconditional love in her lyrics. She seems to be singing about a woman who has a deep need for understanding and is exploring life in a thoughtful way. The lyrics also express the desires of a heart that is ready to fall and fall hard, but only for someone willing to help her understand the complexities of relationships.

"Gave Me Love" - Seems to be speaking about a friend who loves unconditionally. Maybe the type of friendship we all secretly desire and sometimes try to give. "Don't give up on me now."

"World Don't Owe Me" - If you have ever realized how much we are not owed and how blessed we are by gifts from friends we never thought we'd ever meet or gifts we receive as surprises. This is about resolution, about just sitting back and saying that even though we are not "owed anything" there are things that could make our lives easier and happier and more beautiful.

"100 Miles" - One of my favorite songs. If you've ever wondered where you are in a relationship this will make so much sense to you. It seems to deal with insecurity and a fear of ending a relationship that already seems to be ending on its own. I love the lyrics:

"It's gonna rain, it's gonna pour
Through sickness and worse can I love you more
You carried me when I fell
Can I carry you, can I love that well."

"Far Away" - A wistful song about taking a lover for granted and asking for a deeper commitment. "Are we building trust, or just taking chances?"

"Wise to the Ways" - She doesn't know what makes her cry anymore. Does this mean she is crying over everything? A world-weary song. If she said what she should say, she would be screaming. A stark picture of reality.

"What's the Matter" - The moon dances on the waves in a town where there are no city lights. She questions why people fear other people because of their choices or backgrounds, religion or nationality.

"I'll Cover You" - Mysterious and caring all at once and strikes me as being quite beautiful in meaning. If you were ever worried about life, this is the song you'd want to hear a friend sing. Emotionally satisfying.

"Burn Your Own House Down" - Seems to be speaking about a friend who is giving up on a relationship and wants to destroy their world. Maybe it is about staying in a relationship and trying to find love where you first found it. How often does anyone believe in you and tell you that they see hope in a failed relationship? She seems to be saying that her friend should look at the relationship from a new perspective.

"Roses" - An entire landscape of emotions.

"Look at You Now" - Tribute to a friend who made it through the tough times.

"Stay Up All Night" - Sassy seduction. If she could just stay up all night with the person of her dreams.

"Magnolia Street" - This song really gets to me. It is about destiny and knowing you love someone when you first meet them. "A dream, but it's true, I am not the same since I met you."

"Start Again" - Cute lyrics about a second chance.

Hidden Track - Keep listening after Start Again. A song appears! ;)

I love Catie Curtis' voice and how it mingles in an ethereal beauty within an intimate circle of warmth created by the added energy of improvisation. Each song is filled with deep feelings and lots of introspection.

Thanks to you. ;) Another find from a friend who knows where my heart lives.

~The Rebecca Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars she's amazing :) buy it., August 9, 1999

By	[e-mail] (cambridge,ma) - See all my reviews

catie is absolutely amazing. this cd is proof of that. i was a little nervous about it ... the usual questions popped into my head (ie. "would it be as good as the others?") however, after hearing it the first time, all of my worries were eradicated. it's a perfect cd. now, having listened to it a few (hundred) times, i can assure you that it is AWESOME.