Customer Reviews

Liejacker

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a review of the Import version of 'Liejacker'.

Thea Gilmore has had her fair share of health and relationship problems over recent years; also, a change of record label will have created some contractual pressures. You might expect, therefore, that 'Liejacker' would be a below par effort. I am glad to say that this is far from the case - TG returns from the emotional abyss with an album that is unlikely to disappoint her fans. If you are new to her music, and you like good female vocalists and contemporary folk-pop/folk-rock with graceful melodies and interesting lyrics, then TG's music may be for you. She does not attempt to sing with a North American accent and her English accent is fairly neutral. Her music is not for superficial listening and, if you are unfamiliar with her work, Avalanche is, in my opinion, a little more accessible and might be a better place to start.

Compared with 'Harpo's Ghost' and 'Avalanche', 'Liejacker' is much gentler and with 'warmer' semi-acoustic instrumental accompaniment (synthesized sounds are barely to be heard); and the overpowering production, which reared its ugly head occasionally on 'Harpo's Ghost', is conspicuously absent on this album. In common with previous albums, you get a very stylish sound - thanks to some skilful, modern production and mixing; also, 'The Wrong Side' features some quirky instrumental sounds. Jazz-folk-rock singer/songwriter Erin McKeown provides backing vocals on one track and Steve Wickham (The Waterboys) plays fiddle on another (not to be missed). Listen out too for some tasteful cello playing (Laura Reid) on the first three tracks. As ever, TG is in fine form vocally - her smooth mezzo-soprano is as 'clear as a bell' whilst still retaining a 'sultry-breathy' quality on a few songs (especially on the spine-chilling 'And You Shall Know No Other God But Me').

TG has always used an abundance of vibrantly colouful words in her lyrics, but with this album, she eases back a little to produce songs which are lyrically more mature. Her lyrics are often enigmatic and full of symbolism, making them somewhat difficult to fathom out - so I'll make it easy for myself and say no more, other than it's obvious that her personal experiences have inspired many of the lyrics. The songs are mainly slow to medium tempo - there are a few up tempo ones but there are no incisive rockers like 'Heads Will Roll', 'We Built A Monster' or 'Cheap Tricks'. There are two fine duets, one with Dave McCabe (The Zutons) and the other with Joan Baez. All songs are written by TG, except for her imaginative interpretation of Dead Or Alive's 'You Spin Me Right Round' (available on the 'import' pressing only). If you really want to hear what TG and her producers can do with other artists' songs, I can thoroughly recommend 'Loft Music' - this album includes songs written by John Fogerty, Neil Young, Van Morrison, The Ramones and Phil Ochs amongst others.

Lyrically and vocally, this is an outstanding album and, although lacking some of the 'bite' and stridency of 'Harpo's Ghost', you will still find plenty of edgy lyrics in many songs (for example : 'Black Letter', 'Roll On', 'The Wrong Side' or 'And You Shall Know No Other God But Me'). The melodies are good, but not quite as 'instant' as a few on 'Avalanche' or 'Harpo's Ghost' (but they do grow on you). There are many fine songs, everyone will have there own favourites - mine were : 'Old Soul', 'Black Letter', 'Roll On', 'The Wrong Side', 'The Lower Road' and 'You Spin Me Right Round' (arguably, the weakest song by comparison - but it's fun to listen to); 4.5 stars.

A very rich and textured offering from an artist who deserves to be A Big Thing here in the U. S.(if she wants to be.) On Liejacker, Thea proves to be an extremely talented songwriter...her best works to date. From the first time I heard her version of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love"(from Loft Music), I have been a huge fan, and with Liejacker, now I am an even bigger admirer.Hard to pick a best song on this one..so I won't even try. Thea, can't wait till you come across the pond and show this country what you are all about.

I've been a Thea Gilmore fan for years. My friends and family are amazed every time I share an album with them. Liejacker combines all the wonderful qualities she has - lyrics, melody, performance. She really is the best female singer/songwriter out there. I read in an early review that her musical parents are Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell - she does them proud!

Thea Gilmore: the "no-nonsense" singer/songwriter of the present time.
What a great album this is! Things get simple when it comes to chose between Gilmore's records: pick whatever one you like and you won't be disappointed. The word mediocrity does not exist in Thea's vocabulary.
Here we have 12 excellent songs, plus one bonus track "You Spin me right round".
From the easy going and dreamy "Dance in New York" to the intoxicating up tempo of "Roll On" to the sarcastic and acid "And you shall know no other God but Me" and from there to her mesmerizing duet with Joan Baez in "Lower Road", everything (lyrics and music) is focused, balanced, beautiful and addictive.
Arguably her best album since Avalanche

I would call this her second best album overall, following Murphy's Heart. It's pretty mellow, with the songs "Dance in New York" and "Breathe" being downright gorgeous. Several of her earlier albums were more daring in nature, lyrically and musically, but this one has some very beautiful music. A few of the songs are filler in my opinion, but hey, nobody's perfect.

I was introduced to Thea Gilmore and "Liejacker" via my local NPR affiliate (KLCC in Eugene, Oregon) and will be forever in their debt. This album provides one of the most enjoyable and satisfying listening experiences I have ever had. All the songs (without exception) on the CD are terrific. Some just a little more so than others. From top to bottom a real WINNER! I am old enough to remember a time when most albums of this level of quality were the rule rather than the exception. Nowadays you are lucky to find a CD with two or three songs worthy of repeat listening. We are all fortunate to be living in a time when Thea Gilmore brings true artistry back in to vogue. Thank you Thea for all your gifts!

A magnificant new CD from Thea Gilmore--excellent songs, imaginative arrangements, and that fantastic voice. Outstanding!

This young talent opened for Joe Jackson in Charlotte on November 10 and her voice and lyrics are both amazing. Ireland's answer to Sheryl Crow, with a dash of Dylan, a smidge of Mitchell and Baez and a sprinkle of Costello/Joe Jackson attitude for good measure.

One thing's for sure... you won't lose the cd, because you'll be keeping this one in the changer for quite a while.