Harpo's Ghost

Thea Gilmore | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 29, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sanctuary
• ASIN: B000H0M524
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,742 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thea is the real deal, September 12, 2006

By 

Kurt Finkbeiner (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harpo's Ghost (Audio CD)

Wow, what a talent. If there is a musician that deserves noteriety in the States, Theas' got to be the one. It's a shame to see stars of a lesser caliber getting more airplay. Her lyrics are absolute poetry and musically each song is a gem. As with all her releases repeated listens reveal nuances missed before. Highlights are "Every Bodys Numb", "We Built a Monster" and "Cheap Tricks". Highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great album from Thea Gilmore, September 8, 2006

By 

GS "G" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harpo's Ghost (Audio CD)

Thea Gilmore is undoubtedly an artist who should get far more credit than she has been getting. Her musical compositions and lyrics are clearly at the level of the major poets and composers of folk and rock and roll. So far all of her albums are musically compelling and Harpo's Ghost is no exception. She is an astute observer of human nature and her lyrics are at times rebellious and edgy. "So the city flickers on like a reeperbahn night; Hissing like a wildcat just about to fight; And it mutters that we rule by ladders of degree; We built a monster." Lyrically she is more consistently poetic and observant of human nature and events than almost any rock musician playing today. She has a strong clear voice and certainly does not mumble her words. On Harpo's Ghost she is supported by competent musicians and the band can rock. Perhaps more instrumental work coming to the fore, coupled with some edgy guitar playing would enhance her compositions on this album. I liked the arrangements on "Everybody's numb," which at times relies heavily on drums and bass. Her voice soars on this song as it does on "Cheap Trick," which rocks. "Cheap Trick" should have been the opening track. "Slow Journey II", which is a folk song with a cello backing, is somewhat reminiscent of the violin in Dylan's "Desire". "The List" is in the folk idiom and has an eerie quality to it - again reminding me somewhat of Dylan's music. In this song she sings "And some folks are drawn to the fire; And some just want to hide; But the lonely are the prettiest of all; They burn from the inside...." There is also a hidden track at the end, "Play until the bottle's gone." This album is more laid back than some of her previous albums and sometimes finds Thea in a wistful mood. As such it pressures one to listen closely to her lyrics. With repeated listening I appreciated the album more than I initially did. This album does not quite match up to "Avalanche" or "Songs from the Gutter" but it does not detract from her considerable musical talents. You would not be amiss buying this album and, indeed, her whole catalogue.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some things are just criminal, September 5, 2006

By 

Ralph from Brooklyn - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Harpo's Ghost (Audio CD)

Some things are just criminal. Like the continued lack of recognition for Thea Gilmore in the United States. The woman obviously wants nothing to do with whatever constitutes the music business these days. But c'mon, with lyrics that cover the personal and political with a scalpel-like precision, music that gives nods to the Stones, Dylan, british sixties folk, electronica, Emmylou Harris circa "Wrecking Ball", and a voice that's equal parts Sandy Denny and Chrissie Hynde, she should be lot bigger than she is. This album is sonically thicker than her others, and the lyrics, while still angry and observant, have opened up and matured. Her melodies are simply gorgeous, from light to heavy, from dark to sunny, she covers it all. A truly wonderful record. Start here and you'll be buying all of them, guaranteed.