Customer Reviews

Real Day

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

 

 

Alice Peacock has a voice that rings like chimes, that soars and floats, that cradles and lifts the words she sings, before setting them back on earth. This freshman outing has a ripe quality that is carried by her sheer vocal vivaciousness. A first listen will remind one of the early pop of Joni Mitchell, not because of tone, but because of the sensual roundness and depth, evident on "Cracks and Daggers", where, not to belabor the bird metaphor, Peacock's voice spirals up like a high-flying dove. Picture a blue sky and that far-away mesmerizing speck in the distance, swooping and diving: graceful, otherworldly.

When Peacock keeps it basic, as on "Exit" her pure acoustic guitar and soothing vocals stand on their own. Add simple accompaniment like cello and mandolin, and Peacock's voice alone adds the lush richness on "My Love I Will", as tender a love song as one could wish for. Nothing is forced, as the controlled muscle of her voice unfolds such a sensitive spot.

On the occasions where Peacock rocks (even if a mid-tempo rock) - listen to "Something Else" - her voice takes on a throaty quality, most evident on the coda. Not raw, but a hint of rough. She also does the proverbial smokey blues to delightful effect on "Right Where I Belong" where the B-3 organ and thankfully minimal electric guitar underscore Peacock's soft wails and sultry falsettos.

Pure pop leanings of a song like "I Do" have a happy-go-lucky jauntiness. But I almost wish the song was done in double-time, with a cracking snare and ripping, throttling guitar. The Beatlesque background vocals and horn section could stand the full-tilt approach, and nothing would be lost.

The title track may be a "real day" for Ms. Peacock, but when was the last time you heard a velvety "wish I may, wish I might, hold on to what I feel tonight" crooned into YOUR ear? More like a surreal day. But seriously, it works. Delicate piano and sparse guitar grace notes underlie the acoustic guitar and plaintive purr of a singer that has a set of pipes and knows how to use them.

It is the final song, "Secret Love", that bares Alice Peacock's vocal strengths. As she keeps time with quiet half-note piano chords, her voice, like a well deep within her heart, draws from its depths clear notes, that sparkle and shine. Finally, the last wavering notes fade away and leave one wanting more.

Buck Steven | Austin, Texas

Back in November I had attended a William Topley concert, where Alice was the opener. With the first song not even done, I knew I had to get the CD. Her voice was just so amazing live. After her performance, we bought a copy of her CD and talked to her briefly. She was so kind and generous. I took the CD home that night and absolutely fell in love with it! Just the other night I popped it in again and REALLY realized how beautiful the CD is. It has the perfect mixture of mellow and more upbeat songs. Her songwriting is superior, especially on the songs I Hear You Say, Cracks And Daggers, Exit, and My Love, I Will. Sincerely...there is not a bad tune on this CD. Once of my favorite CD's is Amy Grant's Behind The Eyes, and Real Day reminds me of that CD, but it is entirely different from it as well. I can't wait to get the chance to see her play live once again. A great voice, and a great talent!

I met Alice Peacock when she came to perform at my college. I was working sound that night, and not really looking forward to another pop/folk/country singer that I had to sit through. But When she began singing, I became enthralled. Alice Peacock truly has a musical and emotive talent that I have very rarely seen before. Even being a poor college student, I bought her CD immediately after she finished. It became one of my most listened-to CDs, and I wouldn't want to part with it for anything. There is honestly not a song on this CD that I didn't like. It makes you think and feel in a different way. If you like music on par with Joni Mitchell, that is a rock/folk mood with poetry as lyrics, get this CD. You won't regret it.

Alice Peacock's debut album adds some nice twists to the folk-rock genre about half the time, and falls into its cliches the other half. Peacock's voice shows some nice range - warm enough to carry the jaunty "I Do," but angry enough to lend a believable edge to the troubled "I Hear You Say." Her music is fine. At its worst, it's unremarkable (on, say, the title track, which I can never remember five minutes after hearing it). At its best, it subverts the listener's expectations just enough to make her sit up and take notice. (Check the delightful descent in tone on the chorus to "Something Else," or the brief syncopations in the chorus to "Get Your Own.") It's Peacock's lyrics, though, that alternately make and break her various efforts. When she's on lyrically, she can dazzle with either insight or wit. (Choice examples: "guaranteed affection's always been/A favorite drug of mine/And you kept coming through" off "Somewhere Else," and the chorus to "Get Your Own": "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings/But I'm at the end of my rope/And there still might be just enough of it left/for me to hang us both.") But when she's not, the songs just tend to sit there, like "Right Where I Belong." On balance, the album is worth purchasing, and bears up to repeated listenings. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself skipping a good third of the tracks to get to the good stuff.

Alice Peacock is awesome! We accidently stumbled on her while attending another concert in Chicago. Her voice is angelic and her songs go to the heart. The variety of music style is most enjoyable - ranging from strings to brass, pop to folk. She is amazing!

This CD is amazing. It's as good or better than the stuff you hear on the radio. There's something for everyone on this CD. The music is all high quality, too. She doesn't just do one or two good songs and then slack off with the rest. This is a must have CD for anyone who wants to hear go music. It's a cross between Shania, Crow, and Jewel, only better.

I too, saw Alice Peacock as an opening act to the Cathy Richardson Band in Chicago. All I can say is WOW! I was so impressed! Afterwards, I bought her CD and chatted with her briefly. What a wonderful-down-to-earth-"real" person. Her CD is my new favorite and I listen to it constantly. Her writing has so much depth.. add that to an absolutely angelic voice...and a star is born. I anxiously await to hear more from Ms. Peacock.

I have recently attended an Alice Peacock concert that was completely sold-out. This was a concert where she focused on her debut album, yet included several new songs that might be released on her next recording. I was so impressed and blown away with her talent and the lyrics of the songs she sings! To be completely honest, there wasn't one song I didn't enjoy on her CD "Real Day", and I find myself singing these tunes when I wake up in the morning. I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys country/pop/folk music because Peacock is truly a very talented musician! I can't wait until her next album to hear more!

To be successful in the music business, one must have good original material, talent, and luck. Alice's song writing is excellent, and she has loads of talent. Alice's songs have real feeling. I found the entire CD to be excellent and am looking forward to her next CD.

Saw Alice perform at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA. with Lucy Kaplansky - who I went to see (and rocked). 3 words for you Ms. Peacock - wow wow wow. I loved the album and especially enjoyed listening to it in my car on the way home. There are so few REALLY good mellow, yet upbeat, and thoughtful "driving" CD's. Throwing your windows down and just soaking in the music and the atmosphere of it all. I felt like she was next to me and we were sharing a moment. It was terrific. You are a great musician. Keep up the great work! Personal favorite is "Cracks and Daggers and "Get Your Own" - which was much better live. I wish the facial expressions you have when performing could be seen. Too cool.