Customer Reviews

A Fish Hook An Open Eye

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

 

 

Shilpa Ray writes really fine songs and her band rocks. Her harmonium playing is an interesting touch, too. But what sets this apart from anything the least bit ordinary is her utterly, painfully gorgeous/powerful singing. One thinks of Patti Smith, Poly Styrene, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday ... I can't begin to explain how strong she is, but I am going to make a five-hour round trip just to hear her live. And I hope & pray that her career takes off enough to keep her on her special creative track for years to come. Maybe the CD should be 4 or 4.5 stars, since there's room for growth in here, but no matter - buy it!

Since writing the above, I made the trek to see the band. Worth every minute of the journey. I should add that there's kind of a contrast between the CD and the live performance. The CD leans more blues/jazz, though with some good rocking in the mix. The concert was all-out fanny-kickin' rock, with Shilpa Ray's musical screams front and center.

This album deserves far more praise and attention than it is currently receiving. It is a work of genius and quite a steal at seven bucks.

First heard during the peak of a mushroom trip, I was blown away. It took a couple sober listens to incorporate her music into my everyday world, but she's here now, and I can't get enough. Shilpa Ray's music is unhindered by self consciousness or self aggrandizement, it seems to just flow through her, at times with a sigh of relief, and at times like passing a kidney stone. Give her a try, if you can't enjoy her, you may be frigid.