Little Black Numbers [IMPORT]

Kathryn Williams

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Atlantic UK
• ASIN: B00005O13R
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #286,696 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2000
There's a hushed intimacy to Kathryn Williams's voice that recalls Nick Drake (without being quite as haunting or profound) and Beth Orton (without being as sonically diverse as, say, Central Reservation). Little Black Numbers is quietly seductive, like the second glass of a good red wine. There's nothing flashy here, but the tasteful accompaniment of acoustic guitars, cellos, and Jonny Bridgwood's melodic double-bass serve Williams's sad, sweet songs well. This album won't dramatically change lives, but it will greatly improve almost any late evening. --Keith Moerer

Product Description
2000 release now reissued from vocalist who gained widespread critical acclaim and a place on the Mercury Music prize shortlist. Her voice recalls Nick Drake, Beth Orton & Joni Mitchell.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Album, August 3, 2001

By	hostelgirl "hostelgirl" (uk) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Black Numbers (Audio CD)

I bought this album after hearing it play in my local record shop. I had never heard Kathryn before and I immediately enquired as to whom this mellow, soulful woman was. I was totally spellbound after hearing the thoughtful lyrics combined with soft yet not syrupy vocals wrapped around smooth musical arrangements. I have seen Kathryn live and she is every bit as good. Her voice needs no gimmicks or fancy production styles. For people who haven't heard Kathryn's work, the vocals are reminiscent of maybe The Sundays or St Etienne, mellow and dreamy. However I feel the real strength lies in the excellent song writing ability. She writes mainly about her friends and relationships but some of her songs focus on the abstract. In both arenas she is consistent in her bare, questioning style. Unlike some modern folk singers she doesn't have political points to make or a chip on her shoulder and so the result is refreshing and more accessible than some of her contempararies.

She has that magical storytelling quality and so you feel you can identify with all she says. A little bit like Joni Mitchell but instead of being drawn in all the way you are with Mitchell's work, you remain on the edge a spectator, wondering. She retains a sense of mystery. By keeping this distance the whole package is less intense and thus it is perfect chill out music. I feel this album is stronger than her first album "Dog Leap Stairs". Kathryn sounds a lttle more at ease with her self and it is a quietly confident album. Musically it is bolder in the way that it uses more instruments which lift the mood and save it from the danger of becoming too sombre or self indulgent. Particularly good is the use of the Cello. If you are new to Kathryn's work, this is an excellent place to start. If you get a chance go and see her live. She is an excellent performer and I am sure we will hear much more from her.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Little wonderful disc, October 15, 2000

By	Dawn Davenport (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Black Numbers (Audio CD)

I first was made aware of Kathryn Williams in an article in Billboard which described her current success in England, and described her as a strong new singer songwriter in the folk/rock genre. Ms. Williams is truly a great new talent, and listening to her disc reminds me of the first time I heard Lori Carson's amazing debut Shelter. The lyrics beautiful with soothing melodies. Ms. Williams voice, style and phrasing allowing true emotion to seep through. Each song a story onto itself. I strongly recommend this disc to anyone who enjoys the music of Lori Carson, Dar Willams, or Patty Griffin.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Full of promise..., December 8, 2000

By	Jimbob (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Black Numbers (Audio CD)

Kathryn Williams' Little Black Numbers won a well-deserved Mercury Album of the Year nomination in the UK in 2000 and while this budding folk/pop album contains many delightful touches, it feels like the gateway to greater things.

Progressing from the sparse, minimal arrangements on Dog Leap Stairs, LBN delivers at least two potential crossover hits on Soul To Feet and the mannered, brooding Jasmine Hoop. Worthwhile and highly recommended, Williams is an artist to watch.