Hard Times in Babylon

Eliza Gilkyson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 10, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 10, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Red House
• ASIN: B00004Y9Z0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,403 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #97 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a revelation - how have I missed her?, August 15, 2002

By 

Billy Herrington (Little Rock, Arkansas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hard Times in Babylon (Audio CD)

I don't know how I have missed Eliza through the years, being a huge fan of female singer-songwriters, but I have. I recently saw her on Austin City Limits (the number of "new" people that show has turned me on to is unreal). I was tired and ready for bed but once she started, there was no way I could not stay up to watch and listen. WOW! And this CD is even better. I admit I am a sucker for a girl with a guitar and at my age a women with a guitar is even better. Make no mistake, she is not a "girl" singer. This is a full grown woman (she's even a grandmother). My preferences lead me to listen to as many female singer-songwriters as possible but she is a cut above, in the same league with Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin in my opinion.

I have only listened to this twice through and I am hooked. I will not bore you with a blow by blow of every song because they are still new to me. Suffice to say that Eliza brings maturity, grace and class to everything she touches here. She is a fine song crafter who addresses loss and redemption, life and love from the viewpoint of one who has been there and learned much from the experience. She does not whine about anything, accepting life as it is with regrets but an ability to dust herself off and move on when that time comes. Her voice is perfect for her music, sweet at times, world weary and ragged around the edges at times, and always sensual. The musicians on this CD play flawlessly and the production is first rate. I am going to savor this for several more playings and then go check out everything else she has done. If you are a fan of this genre of music, I would very highly recommend this CD. Eliza, I am glad we finally crossed paths.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard Core Emotions, June 14, 2004

By 

bethtexas (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hard Times in Babylon (Audio CD)

To me, this album was a breakthrough for Eliza Gilkyson. I can see by some people's reviews that they miss the more folksy side of Eliza. But if I could only keep one Eliza Gilkyson album ... I personally would choose this.

These songs are daring! Not just lyrically with such great lines as "I've got a foolish heart, but I'm not an idiot." and "Be still, my beating heart" in reference to not quite wanting to go on today. But it's also musically extraordinary. The opening song is catchy as anything. And then, she moves to ballads, hard rock-n-roll beats, sultry numbers, experimental formats. What remains consistent throughout the album is the hard core emotional honesty.

Lyrics always take center stage on this album -- she annunciates clearly, and no matter what's going on musically, you can always hear the words plainly. I like that.

And these are some serious words! Backed by husky expressiveness.

This is an album that challenges you to explore the emotional realms -- and not just the cheery ones.

I loved her previous albums. But to me -- this one is art.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite of Eliza, December 10, 2004

By 

R. Kyle (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hard Times in Babylon (Audio CD)

Have had the privilege of hearing Eliza in very intimate local venues and she's got the most outstanding honey-and-whiskey voice. That voice always takes center stage with simple arrangements backing. This is an amazing album, covering everything from sinning to salvation. "Hard Times in Babylon" according to Eliza is autobiographical of the worst times in her career. "Sanctuary" is a beautiful hymn no matter what spiritual affiliation you have. While Eliza's newest "Land of Milk and Honey" has been nominated for a Grammy in the Folk Category this year, I think "Hard Times" is a very good place to start listening to Eliza's music.