Customer Reviews

Over the Hills

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Amazon reviewer is quite mistaken. OVER THE HILLS is a compelling album throughout. Although perhaps a bit more modest in ambition than her 9/11-themed previous recording--the great RED THREAD--this one's excellence derives from its smaller scale. Lucy has always been a personal singer--often delivering as if into your own ear alone--and she continues that feeling in OVER THE HILLS. The superb original compositions are largely about her family: her recently deceased father, her daughter (now and in the future) and her grandfather. Lucy has added such charm and twinkle to a well-chosen group of covers that they become new again: especially "Someday Soon," "Swimming Song," and "Ring of Fire." In addition to her first rate group of instrumentalists, Lucy has made terrific use of Eliza Gilkyson, Richard Shindell and Jonatha Brooke for harmony singers. If the Amazon reviewer thinks all the songs sound alike, he should listen a bit more carefully. They don't. OVER THE HILLS is subtle and lovely.

I originally felt lukewarm about this album. Lucy seemed more laid back and less invested in the music. and her singing less emotional, than in other albums. I felt and still feel her rendition of the famous Johnny Cash/June Carter tune 'Ring of Fire' is emotionless and essentially 'mailed in.'

However, there are two songs on the album that make me cry no matter where I am--this is sometimes dangerous while driving--but the song she wrote about her father's death and it being the time she finally let go of all the things he was not to her, and one about a poverty stricken grandfather from the old country who passed down only his voice, are so powerful and psychologically sensitive and incisive that this has slowly become a favorite album--when I have access to some tissues...

I was listening to Yahoo Lauchcast several months ago when I first heard "Amelia". Lucy's voice was captivating and the story was moving. Later, I heard the song "Over the Hills" and knew that Lucy is a true folk talent. A few weeks later when I finally heard "The Gift", I was holding back tears (it wouldn't do for a grown man to cry). I had to buy this album. I hope this touches you as much as it touches me.

An excellent album and well worth the money and time. I have been a fan for some years and she did not disappoint me.

I have been listening to Lucy Kaplansky for severaly years, and I found this CD to be her most consistent in terms of well-done, thoughtful music.

The song "More Than This" is a touching ballad about the circle of life told through the eyes of an aging woman.

Her cover of "Ring of Fire" is great. I love the song anyway, but she does it justice.

This CD is well worth the money.

Got this and it gets better with each listening. One of the best versions of "Ring of Fire" I have ever heard. Can't stop playing it. She really makes it her own. Becoming a big fan.

Another great set of stories set to music. Lucy's storytelling by song is beautiful and flows.

I adore Lucy K - and own all her albums. She has done a stellar job on Over the Hills. The only album that may be better is still the incredible Flesh and Bone. If you like Lucy, you will certainly appreciate owning this new one. If you are new to Lucy, perhaps start with Flesh and Bone and then come to this one. You won't be sorry.

I had never heard of Lucy Kaplansky when a friend sent me this album a few weeks ago. I'm buying a copy for another friend today. I simply cannot stop listening to it. There is a sameness to the performances, as the Amazon reviewer pointed out, but I'd say it comes from an understated approach, not an unemotional one. Anyone who likes folk or country might want to give this one a try.

The first tune is the banner for the whole work...other songs are solid, some good, but that first one is fantastic!