Edge

Holly Near | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 21, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Calico Tracks Music
• ASIN: B00004ZDQD
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,288 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musical Espresso for Your Sense of Social Justice, December 29, 2001

By 

"rrr338" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Edge (Audio CD)

"Edge" is a near-perfect collection of songs that express a deep thirst for social justice. Surprisingly, however, there is quite a bit of variation in style (vocal, instrumental, and lyrical).
Virtually every song becomes what one may well consider the "signature song" for a particular social issue.

"If It Were Up to Me" offers a rapid-fire litany of excuses for school gun violence ("...maybe it's the drugs, maybe it's the parents, maybe it's the colors everybody's wearin..."). One wonder just how many of these excuses have been earnestly offered by the NRA (maybe all?). "Standard White Jesus" is a bluesy, satirical look at those who prefer to cling to the delusion of a homogenous (and white) world in which to live. "Uh-huh" pays homage to all of us who have gotten so fed up that we have felt the need (but fortunately chose not to) strike out.

And then there is "I Ain't Afraid," my vote as the signature song for the September 11 terrorist attacks. Many will not believe that this song was written and performed BEFORE those attacks.
Holly Near puts fanatacism in its place here, whether it takes on Christian, Islamic, or Judaic trappings. What I like is that she sings about not being afraid of "your churches, your temples, your prayers" but then goes on to sing of having no fear for "your culture, your music, your dances." So the message is, don't fear the fanatics, but continue to embrace those who are different. To my mind, that is the ULTIMATE weapon against terrorism. An extremely powerful song here.

Finally, I must say that I had the pleasure of hearing Holly Near perform at a concert hosted by our small college. She also gave a presentation to some of the students on how to extend their artistic capabilities. She urged them to take risks, and resist backing down from opportunites and projects that would seem daunting or too challenging. Extending ourselves beyond our perceived limits is how we grow. Great message, Holly!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Holly's Edge is Back!, November 6, 2001

By 

Beverly L. Herzog "Efer" (Bellflower, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edge (Audio CD)

I've been one of Holly's straight, but not narrow, fans for well over a decade and have most of her CDs (and tapes and LPs from the old days). This is her best in a long time and my favorite CD that I've purchased in the past year. Holly excells at topical music, singing of peace and positive social change. I bought this CD in August and loved it then, but (as other reviewers note) it's especially poignant after 9/11. "I ain't Afraid" of your God/Jesus/Allah, your Bible/Torah/Koran, or your church/temple/mosque -- "I'm afraid of what you do in the name of your god" seems written for that event. It's nicely balanced with "Kids are Gonna Love", which starts with a Jew and Moslum falling in love. The CD has a wide variety of musical styles, from jazzy to folk, beautiful harmonies, and, above all, great lyrics. I was listening to this again this morning and again got chills from some of the songs; not many CDs evoke that response. If you like music that makes you think about the world around you sung in a gorgeous voice, you'll love this CD.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She's still amazing, January 18, 2006

By 

California Greg (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Edge (Audio CD)

It's unbeliveable that Holly Near continues to turn out such extraordinary work for what has to be a devoted group of fans. This woman actually has the guts to TRULY say something and she shies away from nothing. It's to be admired and emulated.

Holly's work here is a fantastic mix of style and substance...sacrificing neither in pursuit of her art and message. The sound is totally up to date and could have been released by someone half her age.

The only sad thing in all of this is that she flies under most people's radar and many people simply don't know about her. And that's the real tragedy because the world is in such need of hearing what she has to say.

Double click right now to order this CD!