Don't Ask Don't Tell (Dig)

Michelle Shocked | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 21, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mighty Sound
• ASIN: B0009NCPV0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,522 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #86 in Music > Alternative Rock > New Wave & Post-Punk > Urban Folk

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCEPTIONAL EFFORT / A TRUE WORK OF ART / BRAVO, June 22, 2005

By 

J. Gambino - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Don't Ask Don't Tell (Dig) (Audio CD)

This CD is composed of strong, diverse and intelligent songs that come straight from the artists heart. The music explores a variety of musical genres from rock, soul, folk, to jazz all with her unique signature fusion of styles. The listener is engaged from the outset with a full range of emotions from empathy to humor. It reminds me of the Kinks at their best in the 80's. Each song has a unique flavor and after the CD is over you have no difficulty remembering the tunes. You only are disappointed it has come to an end. If you have a brain... you should not be bored or untouched by this collection.

The sound quality is excellent. The arrangements are done with care and tenderness. The accompanying musicians and vocalists are used wonderfully and they clearly have a stong connection to the project.

I will not bore you with a song by song description. Anyone who has ever appreciated Michelle Shocked in the past will find their own favorites... which will likely change over time with your mood and circumstances.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Return to Her Peak of Perfection, August 30, 2005

By 

A. Peters "ablpete" (Near Chicago, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Don't Ask Don't Tell (Dig) (Audio CD)

If you are looking for an album with a homogenous theme that will wrap you in its "sameness", giving you a comfortable place to retreat to... this is NOT the album you want. All tracks are extremely well performed, recorded and produced. However, each track could have been done by a different artist. While I doubt it was intended, the first track has somewhat "breathy", yet full vocals akin to early Maria Muldaur. The next track reminds me of several Patti Smith tracks in its direct vocal style, texture and delivery. The third track uses wistful talking/singing to present a story laced with often made-up words delivered in a Laurie Anderson-like style. The list goes on, however, there is no doubt that each of the tracks is genuinely Michelle Shocked. At times playful, always intelligent lyrics are enveloped with and supported by excellent musicianship. Her best work since Arkansas Traveller, her prior "peak of polish & perfection". Definitely worth the "price of admission."

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars ...Don't Remember, January 27, 2007

By 

The Kid (Harrisonburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't Ask Don't Tell (Dig) (Audio CD)

Well, the music here is fine. But largely this collection sounds uninspired. Whereas previous albums of hers had me glued to the lyrics and re-listening every chance I got, I have to remind myself to listen to this one. Not that it is awful. It just doesn't go anywhere. She sounds bored, so I guess I'm bored too. I know what she's capable of, so I miss the clever lyrics and brassy sound of CAPTAIN SWING, the passionate and original voice of SHORT SHARP SHOCKED, or the musicianship of ARKANSAS TRAVELER.

I still give this one 3 stars, based on her previous track record and the simple fact that this isn't really a bad album, especially when compared to her peers. Also, she retains a "one of a kind" quality that some singer/songwriters never come close to achieving.

Don't get me started on the *genius* who designed the packaging.