Customer Reviews

New Used Car

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

 

 

Sue Foley is a criminally underrated blues singer/songwriter/guitarist. She has consistently been releasing great music for the last 15 years. She has an instantly recognizable (and sexy as hell) voice, and she is a remarkably gifted player. Anyone with an appreciation for the blues should check her out. She is equally adept at slow blues or fast, instrumental or vocal, acoustic or electric; all while retaining her signature sound. Here's hoping "Gman" will give her latest another spin, because it truly is one of her best, and no one should be discouraged from checking it out. Simply put, it is one of the five best albums of the year, regardless of genre.

I couldn't disagree with the first reviewer more. I have liked this album from the opening note. Its one of the very few albums where I can listen favorably to all the songs on the disc--though I have those I like better than others. On this album I can't tell which I like better: her guitar playing, her song-writing or her singing. Admittedly her singing is her weakest point, but she knows her limitations and it works fine for her songs. I have found her lyrics, on this and her other albums, how shall I put it--interesting. Her songs don't just tell a story, but convey a point of view, especially regarding the battle of the sexes. The images she conveys often evince a knowing nod or a grin of agreement. I especially like the fact that she doesn't dumb-down her songs inorder to get her point across. I found her songwriting quite adult, and about adult themes--these songs aren't meant for teeny-boppers or the shallow of heart. Maybe we have becomne so used to having the lyrics spoon-fed that we have lost our ability to listen-up. I save my critique of her guitar-playing for last, as it is undeniably her best quality. She is the best female guitar player I have ever heard, and she is definielty in the top tier, male or female. Even after a year of heavy play some of her riffs are still exquisitely jaw-dropping experiences. This girl can rock, and it has nothing to do with volume--though I do tend to turn her up when she comes on. The fact is you will not hear a better combination of singing, song-writing or guitar-playing than Sue Foley, male or female. I can readily think of persons better at two-out-of-three, but not all three. What am I currently listening too besides Ms. Foley? Early AC/DC, Magic Sam, Ry Cooder, The Detroit Cobras, and Tchaikovsky--I've just discovered parts of Capricio Italiano that I hadn't heard before! The first album I ever bought was Little Richards Greatest Hits in 1959! My tastes are eclectic, but New Used Car was like a cool drink of water to a thirsty man.

I have most of Sue's early work and love it but this album is different- in a good way. Her guitar work is great as always, with more of a rock feel on some songs rather than straight up blues. There are hints of Sheryl Crow and even Tom Petty on this album. The one thing I love with Sue Foley is she won't allow herself to be stuck in one catagory like some other artists and be done with it. Like her new project "He Said She Said", she mixes blues, folk and rocks it out too. Good stuff!

Ottawa's Sue Foley recorded "New Used Car" for Germany's Ruf label. The set showcases Foley's exquisite guitar playing. As a vocalist, her voice is a bit on the thin side but usually works when filled with attitude and swagger. Unfortunately, Foley's songwriting on this set is not memorable. Yes, the title track has some nice playing. "Mother" might have been stunning as an instrumental. "Sugar" has potential with its saucy innuendo. A couple dreadful tracks like "Little Things" & "Found My Love" have me reach for the skip button when her talk-sing part approaches. "Deep Freeze" near the end of the set is the only track I want to put into my song mix rotation. The last track "Change Your Mind" sounds like "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down" from Bob Dylan's first album in 1962. The song Dylan sang was more interesting. While Foley's talent is still evident, this set seems like it was rushed, not quite ready for the studio. Taxi!

I'll give it another chance, but upon listening to the first two song, I had to stop and make sure this was Sue Foley. I'm afraid this new direction is not for me. Something went terribly wrong.