In Parentheses (Dig) [Limited Edition]

Charlotte Martin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 5, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Limited Edition
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B0000AQS0D
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #326,422 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Your Armor

2. In Parentheses

3. Pretty Thing

4. Monster

Editorial Reviews

2003 BMG

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A mere sampling of an invigorating new voice, January 3, 2005

By 

CreepyT "CreepyTendencies" (Colorado, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: In Parentheses (Dig) (Audio CD)

I was lucky enough to stumble across Charlotte Martin when she popped up in my recommendations here on amazon. After listening to the sound clips, I immediately had to purchase both On Your Shore and In Parentheses. Though I'm generally not a fan of EP's, preferring to spend my money on full-length albums, On Your Shore left me craving more from this amazing up-and-coming artist.

For those not familiar with Charlotte Martin's music, it can easily be compared to that of my other favorite female musician, Tori Amos. Both have impressive vocal ranges in addition to incredible talent with the piano. However, Charlotte Martin's lyrics are slightly more down-to-earth, though no less enticing or moving. Her music is highly accessible without being overly "pop-esque."

Though only four songs, In Parentheses is definitely worth the tiny price. Here's a break-down of the included tracks:

Track 1; "Your Armor" - This song, featuring only Charlotte Martin and her piano accompaniment, is extremely gorgeous and moving. This song is also on the full-length On Your Shore, but with added string accompaniment.

Track 2; "In Parentheses" - Playful, teasing piano with fun, cute lyrics, and drum and bass accompaniment that adds to the song without drowning out the main focus on vocals and piano.

Track 3; "Pretty Thing" - More accompaniment in this song than the previous two, as well as more emotion. Probably the most up-beat song included in this EP.

Track 4; "Monster" - Decent lyrics, though a little repetitive. The accompaniment in this song tends to drown out a little of the piano, but it's still an intriguing, catchy tune.

If there are any downsides to this EP, they would include the fact that these songs don't showcase her talent as much as they could. It's easy to tell that Charlotte Martin really developed her talent and skill between the production of In Parentheses and the later On Your Shore. Furthermore, these songs are all fairly mellow, and none really stand out above any of the others.

Anyone who is a fan of great female vocalists, heartfelt lyrics, and magnificent piano accompaniment needs to buy both On Your Shore and In Parentheses (though I would recommend On Your Shore first, as it's a slightly more encompassing display of Martin's talent). This is just a mere flickering of the bright future ahead for Charlotte Martin, and I anxiously await anything this rising star produces.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Debut from a "Monster" Talent, December 4, 2003

By 

Daren K. Sweeney "dswee372" (Brandywine, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Parentheses (Dig) (Audio CD)

Ms. Martin's music is heartfelt, passionate, and consuming. Unlike most artists, her tracks become increasingly interesting with each additional listen. I would've given the EP 5 stars but, if you've ever heard her live, you need to save room for an even higher mark. Think of her as Tori Amos without the self-consciousness and nuttiness. On second thought, just think of her as Charlotte.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one cd you will NOT regret purchasing, December 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: In Parentheses (Dig) (Audio CD)

Charlotte Martin's EP is just a glimmer into the beauty and talent this rising star possesses. Not only does she have wonderful virtuosity at the piano, but she has insightful, thought-provoking lyrics that can back up the charm and emotion in the music. Her voice is gorgeous, rich and pure, though she's not afraid to jazz it up with a few spurs of rawness. It's a mesmerizing mix, with glimmers of Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Kate Bush, and other talented musical females shining through. This is said with nothing but praise in mind, as Martin clearly holds her own and proves she is her own talented woman following along the same path as the greats before her. She shines in this EP, and listeners will be thrilled to learn her full-length album is scheduled to come out in the coming year. I know I am looking foward to it with great anticipation.

This is one EP you do not want to wait to buy; you will only kick yourself for not reaping the beauty of it earlier once you give it the first listen.