Customer Reviews

Real Life Stuff

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

 

 

I saw Kristen Hall open for the Indigo Girls back in 1988. It felt like seeing an old friend for the first time in years. Her warm, raspy voice flowed effortlessly through her beautiful new songs. I purchased Real Life Stuff on cassette at the concert (she hadn't made any CDs at that point) and practically wore it to shreds. I knew she was destined for fame.
Kristen's lyrics have been powerful from the start. "Howie", my favorite track on the album, is a song about a freindship she made on one of her tours. Every time I hear it, I'm riding in their broken down Bedford with them and I long to see them again as soon as the song is finished. "I Don't Need You Anyway", "Fade Away Blind", "Just So You Know", and "It's Allright" would make even Dylan proud. The closing track "Island" was not on the cassette, but was added when she finally put this masterpiece on CD for me. - Thanks Kristen
Kristen became a musical star as one of the band mates and the main songwriter for the country band Sugarland (with Jennifer Nettles & Kristian Bush of Billy Pilgrim). Her writing remains strong - I only wish that she sang more on their hit album & although no longer a member of the band I pray that she will continue writing her incredible tunes. I highly recommend all of Kristen's albums - each have incredible songwriting and heartfelt vocals, although sadly most are very difficult to come by.
The stripped down acoustics of Real Life Stuff are true to Kristen's original live performances years ago. This is why it makes my list of the 10 best albums ever. Sadly out of print (like one other on my list - Buckingham Nicks), the CD is very hard to come by so grab it if you can - you won't be dissappointed.

Until Amazon recomended this album I'd never heard of Kristen. I took a chance and bought the album sight unseen, or rather unheard. This entire album is incredible. Every track is a winner with Kristen's husky voice backed by her acoustic guitar, and Just So You Know is an absolute instant favorite.

Kristen's voice is a bit reminiscent of Tracy Chapman and her lyrics and guitar playing are really beautiful. If you like the Indigo Girls or Tracy Chapman this is sure to be a new favorite for you.

Be sure to check out Brian Vander Ark's album Resurrection and the original Buckinham Nicks album as well (Stevie Nicks and Lydsay Buckingham before they joined Fleetwood Mac. You'll play each of these again and again - worth every penny!!!

I am in love with this recording, and once I heard it RAN out to purchase her 2nd release, which is also unbelievable!!

My only complaint about "Real Life Stuff" is that the copy I listened to belonged to someone else, and now I cannot find one of my own!!

If someone can assist me in locating a copy, I would gladly pay top dollar for it!

Kristin, you are wonderful!!!

"Real Life Stuff" Is Kristen's first release. This is a fantastic example of 'real' acustic sound. Though her other CDs are also phenominal, this is my favorite. Bare bones acustics with a voice to bring tears to your eyes. Her tallent is truly immeasurable in reguards to this style of music.. I try to introduce all of my friends who have a great appreciation for music to the "Kristen Hall"sound.. I have never had one that didn't immediatly recognise her tallents and purchase her work. I hope to see this CD re-released as I have many friends who need to add this to their Kristen collection.

Received quickly, all went well. Possibly bubble wrap might add protection to international shipments though not a problem this time.