Customer Reviews

Flutterby

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Butterfly Boucher has a confidence of delivery and an ear for hooks which instantly make her stand out. Flutterby might just be the hidden gem of 2004 -- a good six or seven songs on this record sound like they could be rock-radio hits.

The great thing about this record is that while it contains many solid melodic hooks, there isn't a moment where it loses its rock balls. This is largely thanks to Boucher's resonant voice -- she doesn't have much range, but what she does have, she uses well, and she uses melodic twists to make her vocal lines always interesting. Boucher knows how to use weird chord progressions, such as on "A Beautiful Book", "Don't Point, Don't Scare It" and the piano-driven "Never Leave Your Heart Alone", a good example of how to sing a ballad without sounding anemic. The instrumental performance, largely by Boucher herself, is innovative, heavy on groove and full of attention-grabbing touches -- the twitchy guitars which open "Busy"; the aggressive acoustic strums of mighty leadoff track "Life Is Short" (brilliant use of dynamics on this track); the classic-rock guitar riffs of "Can You See the Lights?", the track that turned me on to this record; the cascades of glistening guitar on the anthemic "Another White Dash"; and the aforementioned "Don't Point, Don't Scare It" has Boucher's most soulful singing over an almost Renaissance guitar arrangement,

This record reminds me of another artist who had burst out of the gates with a flourish: Melanie Garside. Like Garside's first record Fossil, Flutterby is filled with great performances and superb songwriting. These songs sound like they would work equally well in a solo piano/guitar setting, and that's saying a lot. Add that to the terrific arrangements, and you have a candidate for an instant pop-rock classic.

Why does it seem that the best musicians nowadays are completely ignored at MTV and radio? If there was any justice in this world Butterfly Boucher would be bigger than many of those half-baked acts that pass for musicians.

But enough with the ranting, Butterfly Boucher's "Flutterby" is an astonishingly satisfying debut album. First, there isn't a weak track in the mix. All of them have a pop/rock sound and nothing sounds forced or sappy in the way of lyrics or music. Second, she wrote almost all of the songs. Third, she played most of the instruments on the album. She's not only talented, she's versatile.

"Another White Dash" was my first exposure to Boucher, and I was very impressed, like a Dido track with a lot more punch. "Soul Back" and "Life Is Short" showcase great vocals and guitar while "I Can't Make Me" sounds like a remade Cardigans tune. Butterfly Boucher essentially isn't doing anything radically different. She's just doing it with much more finesse. And we all could use more musicians like her.

If the title and rating I've give don't make it clear, then let me just say BUY THIS ALBUM! You won't be disappointed.

I first saw "I Can't Make Me" from Butterfly Boucher on mtvU at my college and thought it was a great song. It was catchy and cool and I liked it. Curious, I downloaded a couple other songs, namely "Another White Dash" and "A Walk Outside" and I thought they were fantastic. Afterwards, I immediately went out and put down the $10 it costs for this album. Not only is it mind-blowing, it really is a bargain!

So I did a little looking around and found out that Butterfly writes her own music, plays all of her own instruments, and does all of the vocals, all of which wouldn't mean anything if the music weren't good, but rest assured it is. Oh, it is. This girl has a lot of talent, the album is among my absolute favorites of the past five years or so, and I can't wait to see her develop. Even if she never reaches the level that other pop/rock stars have reached, she's a mega-star in my book!

Amazing is all I can say. I saw Butterfly open for Sarah McLaughlan last night in St. Paul. At the beginning of the concert, no one in the stadium wasn't listening to her, but by the end of her session she had the audience mesmerized. I've been to alot of concerts and usually the opening acts are not much to comment on, but all I have to say that I was completely blown away by this young woman. I bought the cd after her session and I've listed to nothing else the last 24 hours.

She's a mixture of PJ Harvery/Lisa Loeb. She's not doing anything orginal, but she is amazing. All her songs are catchy. If you don't believe me, buy it and listen to it. I think the best songs on the cd are "I Can't Make It" and "Another White Dash". Also watch for her club tour to start. She puts on a good show! A real entertainer.

I suggest to everyone that they email MTV to play her music video. Also call your radio stations and request her songs. We can change what we are forced to listen to as "mainstream music" in this country!

I just finished seeing Butterfly (yes that's her real name) open for Sarah McLachlan and I must say that i'm impressed. Pure voice, clever and witty, just pleasant to listen to. Since you're reading this review, you must be somewhat interested with her or her music, so listen to the samples, google her to find out about her life and you'll be surprised at what you find. She plays all the instruments on her album (most pop acts don't even feature instruments) and writes all the songs (once again another oddity in the pop world). Personal favorites on this album: I Can't Make Me and Never Let it Go, both are catchy tunes that will make your head bop while the lyrics actually say something. Also listen for her cover of Bowie's Changes in Shreck 2. Bottom line, she's refreshing, attractive, smart, with a true voice that sounds as good live as in the studio. You get the feeling that she is writing and performing for the sake of her music and not fame, she was born to be what she is.

I first heard three of Butterfly Boucher's songs on Spinner's Eclectic XL channel. I was immediately attracted to the cheerful melodies and lilting variety in her songs. The lyrics are poetic and beautiful, and she backs it up with clean, pretty vocals. As a budding musician, I can't help but admire the talent she has to play and arrange all the instruments, they all go together beautifully. This CD is an uplifting experience. Each track is refreshingly distinct from the others, some more growly bass and driving beat and some more gently and breezy. Energetic and colorful, her music makes you want to sing along.
I highly recommend this disc, even though it is still only available as an import. It's well worth the price.

I'm not one to write reviews and all, but I guess you can say I was inspired. I was one of the many who saw Butterfly open up for Sarah McLachlan, and yes, this rookie knows how to put on a show, and she's only going to get better as she becomes more comfortable in her element. Her music hooks you, but it's also her personality that truly shines through. She's talented, adorable, and she's grateful. Not to mention, she came from a humble background, so she seems to be basking in the spotlight right now as her dreams are becoming a reality rather quickly. Butterfly's having a blast, and it rubs off on you through her music and her live performances. She IS star material. She WILL become famous. There's no doubt about it, and her fire and spunk will rocket her to the top, and soon, she will be a household name. And then, everyone will know how to pronounce her name. I highly recommend this album...support a true artist.

I just finished seeing Butterfly (yes that's her real name) open for Sarah McLachlan and I must say that i'm impressed. Pure voice, clever and witty, just pleasant to listen to. Since you're reading this review, you must be somewhat interested with her or her music, so listen to the samples, google her to find out about her life and you'll be surprised at what you find. She plays all the instruments on her album (most pop acts don't even feature instruments) and writes all the songs (once again another oddity in the pop world). Personal favorites on this album: I Can't Make Me and Never Let it Go, both are catchy tunes that will make your head bop while the lyrics actually say something. Also listen for her cover of Bowie's Changes in Shrek 2. Bottom line, she's refreshing, attractive, smart, with a true voice that sounds as good live as in the studio. You get the feeling that she is writing and performing for the sake of her music and not fame, she was born to be what she is.

I hadn't even heard of Butterfly Boucher until I saw her live as Sarah McLachlan's opening act. I was completely rivited from the moment she hit the stage and I zipped out and bought her CD at the merchandise table as soon as she was done with her set. I've been listening to it obsessively ever since and I can't remember the last time I was so impressed by a collection of songs. "Another White Dash" is the little ear worm that I can't get out of my head but other favorites are "I Can't Make Me," "A Beautiful Book," and "A Walk Outside." There is something particularly deep and moving about "A Beautiful Book" and it seems like one of those songs that you get as much out of as you put into it emotionally. All of her songs are unique and thought-provoking and complete ear candy to listen to. I can't recommend this CD highly enough.

Simply amazing. In all the time I have spent looking at reviews, I have only come across one negative and I'm sorry to say, that person now sits in jail for use of drugs!

I first heard Butterfly at the Sarah McLachlan concert. I loved her! Not right off the bat, we call it the Butterfly Effect. At first your not big on it, but as you go you crave the music. I bought the CD and loved each one on it! Amazing songs! AND she played every instrument that you hear! TALENT!

Also, if you ever want a real musician all the way around, here she is! I met her back last December in Nashville. Completely selfless and so nice. My dad got her autograph for me because I was too nervous then he comes back with the camera out and wants a picture of us together. We walk back over and she is putting her guitar away and trying to clean up. He said, "Butterfly? Can we get a picture." So, she literally dropped everything in her hands and jumped up, put her arm around me and smiled for the camera! Then she actually started up a conversation! She is so nice, talented, amazing, incredible...Did I mention talented?

All I have to say is...Most everyone would love this album because it has it all! Some mellow, some rock it has everything from A to Z!