Customer Reviews

May Street Project

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Personally, I love new talent. Every year I seem to find 1-3 albums that I usually love listenining to over and over. Lat year there was Shelby Lynne and David Gray and this year I think I have found my first: Shea Seger. With the exception of the last track, which is not bad, I think that this an outstanding album. I read about her about six months ago in the british magazine Q and learned that she was from the states but decided to go to Europe to get her start. She was embraced there with the singles "Clutch" and "Last Time". Finally, I now have the album and understand what allof the excitement was about. Beautiful melodies, simple straightforward lyrics. IF this is the begining, I am so excited to see where this might go in the future. Incredible!

Shea Seger can be thrown together in a group of high quality female singer/songwriters that are woefully underappreciated by the media and the public alike (others include Miranda Lee Richards, Leona Naess, etc.).

Shea's debut album is "The May Street Project", a London-recorded collection of personal songs, backed by all kinds of instruments and scratches. Think of halfway between Jewel and Beck. The album's first 2 songs are among its strongest, and not surprisingly were also the (overlooked) singles: "Last Time" is an upbeat pop song, and "Clutch" goes one further, with its irresistable bass-driven dance hook. "Blind Situation" even has a rap line or two. "Shatterwall" is a mesmorizing quiet song. "Twisted (Never Again)" is a toned-down Alanis rant, very good. The title track, the last song on the set, sums up the album very nicely: heavy beat, good groove, well done!

This album came out over a year ago, and basically has gone completely ignored. What a shame. For anyone interested in more than Britney, Christina or any other latest flavor of the day, check this out. You will not be disappointed!

Fantastic. May St. Project breaks into new territory. Seger gently blends folk, blues, rock, and hip-hop into an album that is at once soulful and passionate, but smart as well. With a foundation of strong beats, yet with dashes of Texan folk (Grandma telling us to talk to our neighbor), she invites the listener into her world, simple and groovy, and lets us hang out for awhile. This album is a welcome addition to anyone's collection.

I saw Shea Seger and her band open up for David Gray in the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., and I was just really impressed by her live show. A lot of energy, excellent sound, and just an awesome stage presence; she reminded me of a cross between Janis Joplin and Alanis Morissette, minus the Alanis Angst she is notorious for. One of my main criteria for buying albums is that I have to be able to see the artist or band live (exceptions, of course, for classic records and now-defunct groups), and I came away with the feeling after having listened to Seger's album a few times that, had I not seen her live, I wouldn't have bought the album. This record is very production-heavy, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't allow Seger to show her musical moxie as she does on the stage. "Clutch" is probably the best track on the album, as it uses lyrical twists and a low-fi backbeat to amplify the simpleness of the song. Last Time and Shatterwall -- which is awesome live -- are excellent tunes. What I am never in favor of on any album -- unless it is 2 discs -- is interludes or half-a-minute musical meanderings, such as Seger's "Roof Top Animals." It's not necessary and essentially could be eliminated from the album. That said, Seger's rookie effort is highly accessable and certainly strays from the stereotyped female artist as being all Lillith Fair and no Lollapalooza. Seger certainly has the bite to back up her bark, but her true fortitude is exuded in concert.

-- Zach Kancher

Take off the plastic, and unwrap "The May Street Project," the debut album of Shea Seger. Put it in your stereo and hit the play button. You'll never regret it. The first thing you will notice is her voice. The woman can sing! Throughout the album the tracks are in a colorful arrangement and the songs' variety will keep you very stimulated. The album starts off with a lively tune and ends with the album's namesake. Here's a small track summary. Enjoy!

Last Time - "There must be something I don't recognize, there's something I don't realize."

Last Time, also the first single, immediately grabs your attention. It's catchy and it will immediately draw your attention to Shea's quality of music. Awesome beats and even better vocals. It grooves.

Clutch - "We count our feelings in yesterdays."

A little more mellow than Last Time, Clutch, has an airy feel to it. It's a fast paced song with a great chorus. Shea develops the song well. She uses the idea of wanting to be "in your world for a while."

Blind Situation - "It used to be about diamonds, now it's walking on clouds with silver linings..."

The artist DRUGS guests along with Pharrell Williams on acoustic guitar and background vocals. The vocal layering in this song really adds to it. This is another song that grooves.

Shatterwall - "I've no energy to cry."

This song is beautifully simple. Shea develops the story delicately with lyrics that make a statement. The acoustic guitar adds to the delicacy of the song. This is one of my favorites.

I Love You Too Much - "There's a giant step between love and understanding."

In contrast to Shatterwall, this song is fast moving. Probably my favorite on the album, it's alive. She grabs your attention with the change in pace between the chorus and the verses. Towards the end of the track, the mix and the electric guitar set the song off and it really come alive.

Walk On Rainbows - "I have thrown away my raincoat."

This track has yet another essence to it. It gives you the sense of a traditional singer/songwriter. Shea plays with the idea of walking on rainbows and not being broken. The song has a lot of confidence to it.

Always - "I just want to be loved and to love always."

;o). The song if pretty. Ron Sexsmith's vocals along with Shea's are moving. It reminds me of summer love.

Twisted - "You really make me want to go to sleep."

This is the perfect song to play right after you've really gotten over that ex of yours. It's playful and very confident. The mix on this song is fun and if you've ever broken up with someone, this song's great.

Wasting the Rain - "These days were made for making love."

Makes you want to get up and splash in the puddles. The song is full of love and you can hear it, not only in the lyrics and music, but in Shea's voice. I love to listen to this song to get over some stress.

Isn't It Good Tonight - "Nothing to interfere with this dream I have of you."

Probably the reason why I gave Shea a real listen, this is the first song I had ever head of her's. She opened with it in Philly while she was on tour with David Gray. This song is perfect for a hot summer day. It's mellow and relaxing. It makes you want to light some candles and take a bath.

Can't Lie - "It's the little thing that break these bones."

I'd have to say this song is probably the most fun on the album. Clap your hands and get ready to sing along. The song, especially the chorus, rocks.

May Street - "Going back to May Street."

Not going to comment on this track. I think the best thing about buying an album is hearing a song for the first time without any outside opinion. Then you can really grab a first impression.

Trust me though, this album is colorful and imaginative. Each song is very creative and has an individual sound. The disc hasn't left my home or car stereo since I got it. This is one of those discs that you can place in the stereo and hit "random." I highly recommend it.

i dont usually like whole albums, i have my selected tracks and they tend to be on repeat, but this is a definite exception, her gritty, yet not harsh voice sings her amazing lyrics beautifully, this is a MUST to anyone who appreciates female artists, on my shelf with my natalie merchant, dido and PJ harvey, now go buy it!!!!

It's hard to label Shea Seger's "The May Street Project" album, if it is hip hop, folk, pop, rock, or techno. I guess you could say that this infectious debut album is a little bit hip hop, folk, pop, rock and techno. Shea Seger almost reminds me of the lead singer for the Cardigans, and on this album it reminded me of the Cardigan's last studio album "Gran Turismo" at times through out the cd, particularly "Clutch". "Last Time" also reminded me of Garbage. "The May Street Project" definitely derives its sound from various genres of music which really works well. Even at times on the cd I could almost hear Sheryl Crow in Shea's voice. Excellent debut album from a very promising, talented artist.

At first glance, I was convinced I was listening to a new Leah Andreone CD. However, I was not. Her innunciation, vocalization and key signature was everything Andreone wished she could be. Their voices are an identical match by pitch, tone and heart. However, something flows from Shea which is extra icing on the cake - talent, poise & soul.

Where Leah Andreone falls flat with predictable lyrics and pretentious ballads, Shea overcomes with heart-wrenching pop tunes quite similar to the guts and glistening rock of Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Nelly Furtado and Aimee Mann. The words grip you, the tones & tunes sway you - the meaning moves you.

This girl is here to stay.

I was always taught that "Music is organized tones and pitches that are pleasant to the ear" ...

... There is nothing more pleasant, comforting or joyous than a fresh new voice like Shea's. I remember years ago when Fiona Apple hit the circuit - and it was magik. Music had a new voice. She was different. Special. Encompassing. I remember years before when people thought Tori Amos was a brand of bong sold at head shops. Little did the public know she would become a folk rock icon, a voice for women - and men - the world throughout.

This is the impact of Shea's music. Heartfelt, meaningful, poignant - pure poetry.

If you are a fan of music that means something, has a soul & gut, demands attention - you will enjoy Shea's music as much as I do.

Don't forget to check ... ... ...

Be Sweet,

Alfred Romo ...follow your eyes...

Shea Seger's debut is a refreshing and original mix of pop/rock, country-infused, alternative originality. Thought provoking, actually intelligent, lyrics are ingeniously married to a absolutely infectious wall of harmonies and rythmic beats. A classy first-time outing that won't disappoint. My vote for best recent new female artist anytime and anywhere.

I got this album without having ever heard of it, or having a clue what it might be. And I was treated to the best sort of surprise. Seger's album is full of intense but highly listenable tunes, a pop sound with an alternative edge. This sounds fantastic. It's a really refreshing album, being one of the current crop (Dot Allison, Anni DiFranco) to reinvigorate this style.