Oh My Darling [Import]

Basia Bulat | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 2, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hardwood
• ASIN: B000UZ48DK
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #841,645 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"Timeless" is an overused word, but when listening to London, Ontario, singer Basia Bulat's debut CD, Oh My Darling, her voice, choice of musical styles, and orchestral propensities come from another generation, evoking comparisons to '60s and '70s musicians like Nico and Maddy Prior. Combining a warmth and sadness perhaps best described as caramelancholy, Bulat's music is part traditional folk ("December"), part symphonic ("Little Waltz"), part samba ("Why Can't It Be Mine") and--if you can imagine--alternative drumline, where Bulat's madly uptempo, rhythm-fronted numbers feature rapid beats center stage with her voice quietly singing in the background ("In The Night," "Snakes and Ladders," and standout track, "I Was a Daughter"). Try as you might to compare or classify her, Bulat truly is an original, moving musically about in whatever direction suits her. Amidst the constant change-ups, some of the CD's greatest charms are found in the pared-down moments of quiet, specifically "Birds of Paradise," "Little One," and disc closer, "A Secret." As unclassifiable as she is, the singer-songwriter is receiving heaps of praise from the UK, and one constant is clear: fans of both traditional folk and contemporary indie rock can coexist in their collective love of Bulat's warm melodies. --Denise Sheppard

Product Description

2007 debut album from the Canadian singer/songwriter. Based out of Toronto, Basia was heavily influenced by Folk, Jazz and acoustic music,, releasing a demo CD in 2004. Basia’s unique vocal style and varied range has led to comparisons ranging from Feist to Natalie Merchant to Elyse Weinberg. 12 tracks including 'Before I Knew', 'December', 'Why Can't It Be Mine' and 'The Pilgriming Vine'. Rough Trade. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Seriously good debut from Basia Bulat, February 7, 2008

By 

221b BakerSt (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Oh My Darling (Dig) (Audio CD)

Seriously good debut from Toronto singer/songwriter Basia Bulat may spur comparisons to everyone from Joni Mitchell to Natalie Merchant, Feist and Hem, and all will be apt, but none will be quite on the mark. If anything, Bulat's music may be best described as coming from a modern troubadour, as it's charming, entertaining and totally engaging. She's also got a knack for ornate yet still catchy and transporting melodies, and there's that a gorgeous and very unique voice of hers. Oh, My Darling is a happy find indeed. Very much recommended. Standout cuts: "Little Waltz," "Snakes And Ladders," "In The Night" and "La-Da-Da."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Evocative Songs, April 25, 2008

By 

Darton K. Williams (Mineral, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Oh My Darling (Dig) (Audio CD)

An excellent, heartfelt debut from this Canadian singer/songwriter. Her voice has been described as "reedy", which is appropriate but does not capture the full spirit of her melodies, laced with vibrato and emotional overtones. Her vocal style may remind some listeners of early Joni Mitchell, yet it is still unique and works well.

Many songs are simple acoustic numbers, letting Basia's voice carry them. Other tracks have string accompaniment, adding a layer of musical complexity to an otherwise sparse sound which assumes no pretenses. Backing harmonies are abundant. Some tracks (Before I Knew, Oh My Darling) are short and sweet; they end before the listener has a chance to really absorb them, begging to be heard multiple times.

Her lyrics are sometimes melancholy, sometimes joyful, evoking a whole range of emotions. High points include Before I Knew, Why Can't It Be Mine, and Bird of Paradise. As a whole, the album is beautiful and imminently listenable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing album, July 21, 2008

By 

Biscuitrocious "Biscuitrocious - Your Free Lo... (Chicago Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oh My Darling (Dig) (Audio CD)

We saw Basia open for Devotchka in St. Louis, and she stole the show. Unbelievable show... I've been to literally hundreds of shows and an opener rarely gets the crowd by the ears and hearts so effectively.

While the live vibe was incredible (strings made a huge difference), the CD has a more subtle feel to it, with a piano they lacked on stage. I recommend this both for lovers of great singers and stellar songwriting. She's got a voice that edges between the modern female folk-rock ideal and classic Southern soul. Beautiful, both inspiring and heart-wrenching.