Customer Reviews

Live at Mckissick Museum

5 star:		(3)
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I had never heard of Danielle Howle until I chanced upon this CD that was being featured at "Bore"ders, of all places. Yes, I bought 2 of this CD from them in hopes that they would notice a demand for it, and quickly buy more to refurbish their stock. See? I sold out my morals and applied my purchasing power to the aforementioned institution JUST to support Danielle Howle and her album which is beautifully dynamic and subtle, with her rich and warm vocal timbre, great guitar work, and comfortable humor. She has a great gift for writing unique lyrics that reveal both aching longing while celebrating a more youthful and innocent whimsy that we all wish we could retain in our adult years. She then surrenders these words in melodies that showcase the versatility of her voice and incorporate the charm of the smokey south as well as her own genuine heartfelt, and underappreciated, persona. Some songs are admittedly goofy, but insightful, but others, which are not featured in the above samples are absolute winners (like the quiet "All", the haunting and allegorical "Spider Writer", and the humorous "Wrestling Song"). Her monologues between songs are themselves insightful and hilarious. Anyway, this album and Danielle are great. Unfortunately, playing live seems to bring out the best in Danielle Howle, and the rest of her albums are studio and therefore less appealing to me. To experience the real and unadulterated performer and songwriter, buy this album.

I was recently introduced to the music of Danielle Howle via a show at the Tomatohead in Knoxville, TN. I was told it was impossible to see her play without falling in love with her and indeed, it was true. It is a rare and wonderful thing to discover an artist with true humor and true depth. Howle's style on this album can best be classified as folk. Her melodies are beautiful and her lyrics are wise, poetic, and strong. She has a true understanding of the depth of human emotion, and she does not dwell simply on the somber side of life, but has many funny reflections on human quirks. I have not taken this CD out of my player since I got it.

This album is a good introduction to Danielle Howle's music and her personality. Howle intersperses her wit, wisdom and Carolina-bred charm between songs that are sometimes soul-baring and deep from the well of her spirit, and at other times, jumpy, quirky, frenetic slices of life. She's a unique songwriter with a great ability to tell stories with not only the words she chooses, but also with odd and oddly beautiful ways of emoting with them...I've never heard a singer who could break words up and manipulate them in quite the same way Danielle can. I won't go into specifics about the songs, since the listener deserves an opportunity to form his/her own opinion, and frankly, I think they need to be experienced, rather than described. I'd hate to mis-characterize her songs and leave you with anything less than the impression that she deserves a listen. Buy this album, and you will surely come back for more. A great intro to Danielle Howle.