Customer Reviews

Loose

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

 

 

When I taught a fine arts survey course, I asked each student to bring in a favorite song to share with the class. One student introduced the class and me to Victoria Williams. I was so ecstatic about her, I went out and bought Loose. I have listened to this CD countless times and still marvel at the talent of this artist.

What I especially want to share is that Victoria Williams was in the first class of Conversational French I taught at Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport, LA. She was eccentric and brilliant even then as a senior in high school. After 34 years of teaching and now retired, I can admit to having all-time favorite students. Vickie was one. The other kids did not quite understand her quirkiness even then in 1974 after a decade of quirkiness.

I recently replayed Loose on a road trip and made my brother listen to it. A country music lover, he finally had to admit, "Her voice kind of grows on you." What I hear is honesty, integrity, a deep appreciation for nature, people, and Christ's redeeming love, that eccentricity, and her sublime brilliance in every song.
December 19, 2003
Since I reviewed Loose, I bought all Vic's others. This woman/child is soooo talented!!!! Every CD is a brand new experience in brand new ways. I am a BIG fan of this supremely talented artiste!! I highly recommend ALL of her CD's.

I discovered this artist while the credits played at the end of watching "Gas, Food and Lodging" I was so intrigued with the voice that I waited til the end of the credits to see who it was. I immeidcately went to Amazon.com and ordered two albums. She has an originality that is very pure and fresh - whether she is doing her own stuff or reditions of others. Everyone who has listened has been won over by the almost child-like voice and the tender treatment of comfortable melodies and orchestrations - very pro, very confident and very innocent

This CD has to be one of my favourite of all time. The songs are all sung with such sincerity that even the most cynical amongst us can't help but warming to her songs about her grandparents, love, growing up in the deep south and other themes that seem alien to modern day music. Her music is a pot-pourri of influences making classifying her difficult - definately roots-folk but with enough rock (with members of REM and Soul Asylum moonlighting here) and jazz influences to spice up her unique blend. Her slightly high-strung voice can take some getting used to but the emotional depth of her songs more than offset any effort incurred...

I first heard Victoria Williams on the one video for "Crazy Mary" --the song Pearl Jam had performed in tribute to her, on MTV. Personally, I loved this song. Pearl Jam did it great justice, but it still isn't the same until you hear Victoria sing it. For those who are not aware, this blossoming singer/songwriter/guitairist from the Appalachian Mountains developed a degenerative illness leaving her as one of "Jerry's Kids" just as her career was taking off. Poignant and sweet, the song "Crazy Mary" reflects the very sad fact of this debilitating disease that is ravishing Victoria's body. The phrase, "that what you fear the most, could meet you... half-way" sent chills up my spine, and brought home the truth. What a fantastic performer! I am part of the Rainbow Family and appreciated her "Hitch-hiker's Smile" as well- I must have passed right by her on the way to our huge Gathering in the Forests of KY and AL in 1993. I wish she'd come. I still wish she will come. We welcome all peaceful people to join us in one of our National Forests each year, and Welcome them Home!!
Leah DosSantos, Hyattsville, MD

When I listened to this CD for the first time, it really made me think about the things she was saying. After I listened to it again, some of the topics made more sence and really made me have a good feeling. She is very good at expressing herself in her music and I share many of the same ideas and tastes as her.

Victoria Williams? I was first introduced to her by my fried Dan who talked of a woman who sang with Pearl Jam. He said it was some song about a crazy lady and taking beers off the wall. He couldn't remember to much for he was in a daze some where in Korea at the time. So I went ahead and bought the thing, it seems these are always the best albums anyway; the ones that take long searches to find and not many people know of them. Well the album surprised me it was the funky-folk style that I have always loved. The personal/or pseudopersonal lyrics sit me right down at home, and I can feel like we are sort of talking. (PS My friend Phil said he would date her, and she wouldn't even have to pay him. Hah Hah) (PPS I got some people over in Saudi Arabia listening to her also)

Victoria is one of a kind. Although it contains many familiar elements, her heartfelt music is unlike any other. Despite its uniqueness, it is somehow quintessentially American music. And this is her best album, highly recommended for music lovers of all stripes.

In Loose we see a more mature Victoria Williams who is now dealing with issues like miracles,and Ladys with drinking problems(Crazy Mary),And Jazz Musicians dying.I like the song The Century Plant alot but Crazy Mary which is a fine song is not quite the type of Song I would like to hear in a Happy Voice like Victoria Williams.This CD has even stanger songs on it to.One even covers child abuse.But it also has a great version of a Louis Armstrong song.If you like Victoria Williams you will like this CD, but you might like Happy Come Home better !

Does anybody else's copy of this actually smell like shoe polish? cause this one does! and that's a great concept! More music that has the sweet aroma of what it is ! Keep sniffin that sweet swirlin sound. rainrien@yahoo.com