Customer Reviews

Rites of Passage

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I was introduced to "Romeo and Juliet" in 97, I was struck. I couldn't believe that I had never heard of the Indigo Girls. I "borrowed" a friend's copy of it and I listened to it over and over and over. You can skip over "Three Hits" unless you really want to hear it. It is good, but not like some of the other songs. Intead, start your Indigo Girls experience with "Galileo". You couldn't possibly be in a bad mood after listening to it. Then, let your eyes water as you think about the person who's touch on your life will never fade when you listen to "Ghost". Sheer emotional brilliance. "Love Will Come to You" is beautiful. Harmonies that can just rip your heart out. The rest of the cd is great, too. Make sure that you prepare for "Airplane", though. It kinda creeps up on you with this freaky-aria-thing. Just get past it...you will be okay. Anyway, buy the cd. You won't regret it.

I first learned about Indigo Girls from my brother, who had this cd and their self titled album and had made a tape with both cds on it. I used to listen to the tape in high school, driving to school and singing along to "Closer to Fine," "Land of Canaan" only at first listening to the songs from the self titled album. Then, upon switching the tape around and listening to the other side, I discovered what made me love the Indigo Girls: songs like "Galileo," "Love Will Come to You," and even "Romeo and Juliet" which was originally written by Dire Straits. However, my favorite song, "Ghost" (from which the title line of my review comes) didn't really hit me until later, after I had listened to it many times and let it sink in. In fact, at first I didn't even like the song. What makes the Indigo Girls so talented in my opinion is not only Amy Ray's guitar ability, but also the skills they have in writing lyrics like poetry, like truth put to music, like a part of my heart thrown out there and verbalized. Rites of Passage will always be my favorite album because, except for the song Chickenman, I can listen to the whole thing through and enjoy it, marvelling at the way they seem to know me personally, but maybe it's just that they are tapping at something that everyone has in common.

There I was driving down autorow in Richmond Virginia when the DJ on the radio said "I've got a pair of tickets to see the Indigo Girls TONIGHT in concert. I'll give em away to the first person who drives up the _______ dealership parking lot to claim them." I was at the traffic light in front of the _______ dealership so I immediately drove up and claimed em ( beat out a couple of very butch looking urban college co-eds). I had only heard their radio hit 'closer to fine' but figured, it should be a good show. That was 1992, in support of the Rites of Passage album. That night, I was blown away.

I was hooked on every song they played, a good number of which came off the then-new release. I got the CD the day after the show and revelled in delicious harmonies and thought provoking lyrics. This album was a treat. The Girls haven't matched it since, but they've come close. And only Nomads, Indians and Saints, the outing just prior to Rites of Passage was better.

Standouts include the album's opener, Three Hits and the single, Galileo. Ghost rounds out the opening three songs and is, appropriately haunting, with lyrics like "... the Mississippi's might, it starts in Minnisota - at a place where you can walk across five steps down. I guess that's how you started - like a pin-prick to my heart and at this point you rush right through me and I start to drown" Tell me Emily Saliers doesn't have a view into every heart that's ever fallen in love!

One inaccurate stereotype of the Indigo Girls is that they are a Gurrrrls band. And songs like Virginia Woolf are supposed to reinforce this image. Let me set the record straight. I'm a red blooded American male who enjoys this album, and this song in particular. It opens up a lot of understanding for us guys. Thanks, Emily for giving us guys a peep into your fanciful dialogue with an icon for women around the world.

Saliers's tunes are very strong on this disk. Amy's are every bit the equal. Chickenman rips and Mark Knoppfler could learn a bit about emotion from her cover of Romeo and Juliet. And Ray's Cedar Tree is just as haunting as Salier's Ghost.

This album is generally apolitical. A challenge for a duo that is used to wearing their liberal tendencies on their sleeves. Let it Be Me is the only politically centered song on the disk and it is a gem. When I heard this song, I knew George Bush was headed for a downfall. It struck a cord in me. And, I admit with some chagrin, I voted for Clinton. Gee, thanks, IG!

A couple of songs don't work very well on this disk. Nashville is a sophmoric finger-pointing tune that blasts the country music establishment in the title city. The finger wagging doesn't become the Girls. And Airplane contains a harmonized refrain that is nearly unlistenable. Very uncharacterist for a duo that nearly never misses in the harmony department.

Bottom line: it is one of the best sets from what amounts to the best act of the 90's. If you are looking for a starting point in your Indigo Girls collection, this is probably it. Looking forward to seeing them shine in the next decade.

Questions? Email me

Once upon a time, Indigo Girls were my favorite band and each word Amy & Emily sang was gospel. I've grown a bit in my musical tastes, and the sun no longer sets around the Girls, but Rites of Passage is the one album that survived my fanaticism. This is, quite simply, beautiful music. The songs range from haunting acoustic ballads to upbeat folk-rockers, but all of them have something to say. If you're going to have only one IG album, make it this one - and not just because you've heard "Galileo" on the local contemporary station. It's well-crafted and musically and lyrically brilliant. Get it!

One hit right after the other. The sound gets better and more sophisticated, but still those beautiful harmonies and guitars. If you liked "Hammer and a Nail" and "Closer to Fine," wait until you hear "Galileo," "Virginia Woolf" and "Airplane" ! This is an awesome disc and shouldn't be out of your collection. The best to date.

There was a 8-month period in college where the only time this CD left the player was so that it could be transported to another one.

This is the album that introduced me to the Girls, and I have my best friend to thank for that. I feel it's their best effort from all aspects - production, composition, arrangement, performance, diversity, lyrics...overall, it's one of the best albums of the last 30 years. "Galileo" and "Ghost" are two songs that need never be re-recorded or covered - they are PERFECT they way they are right now! "Virginia Woolf" is amazing in its arrangement and execution, and "Nashville" is one of the few country songs I'm not ashamed to admit liking.

Then, of course, there's the outstanding rock-out of "Chickenman" - just the thing to get people jumping around the fire and banging on objects. I wish the version here was the full one, but hey, we can't have everything!

I can't say that I've enjoyed their latest effort - what is missing is everything that made this album so right. The most outstanding feature here (for me) is the intricate vocal work - what wonderful sounds, what beautiful combinations and movements! The fact that they blend so effortlessly with the instruments serves only as another source of amazement for me.

Just a piece of advice - never listen to a Girls' ballad when you're having troubles of the heart - you'll wind up bawling your eyes out.

Beautiful music, intelligent lyrics, what more could you ask for. I first heard this album at the tender age of 14 (I am almost 30 now) while I was working at a music store. One of my coworkers was obsessed with this album and kept playing it in the store. After awhile I realized I was singing it at home and school, and I bought myself a copy.

I love music, and own an uncountable number of CDs. But I think I can safely say THIS CD is my favorite of them all! The lyrics are intelligent and elegantly crafted, the music is moving. Galileo (with it's make you think factor) is my favorite song on the CD, with a romeo and juliet coming in 2nd for it's humor factor. Ghost can make you feel emotions stir at your very core if you have ever lost a lover. After 16 years of hearing Ghost, it can still make me cry.

This CD is great for taking in the car, especially on long drives. Do yourslef a favor and get this one.

Not as consistent as Strange Fire, this is nevertheless the CD I find myself coming back to. Maybe I come back for the incredible cover of Mark Knopfler's "Romeo and Juliet," just as heartfelt as the original (and for those familiar with Knopfler, that's saying much indeed!), true to it in it's fashion but an Indigo Girls song through and through. Maybe it's the songwriting -- check out the ode to Virginia Wolfe, and the simple-and-sweet "Cedar Tree." Maybe it's the historical grounding of the lyrics and the depth of connection Emily and Amy feel for the earth, the past, and the universe, touching everything on this album from the abovementioned Virginia Wolfe to the woodblock age of the sublime "Galileo." Maybe it's the sweet harmony vocals of David Crosby and Jackson Browne on "Let it be Me" and "Galileo;" maybe it's the Roches on "Airplane" and a few other tracks. Maybe it's all of these, and more.

It isn't, I must admit, "Chicken Man" that brings me back. This one is really a song to be played live. Ah well...so many plusses and one minus; can I give this one four-and-three-quarter stars for an almost perfect, fully satisfying disk which stands the test of time and the variances of mood?

I remember looking down at my little hometown in Texas on my way to my first year in college with the Indigo Girls song Airplane (on this album) getting me through take off. These women saw me through high school, college and beyond. This is one of my favorite albums by the IG with the songs Ghost and Cedar Tree. Chickenman is much better live, but still enjoyable (its also my two year old's favorite.) The song Virginia Woolf really inspired me in certain life decisions. I savor the defiance in Nashville. And what can I say about Romeo and Juliet? Loveitloveitloveit!

This was one of two CD's I had when I went away to college and also probably one of the most played CDs still in my collection. The vocals and the harmonies along with the awesome lyrics typical of the Indigo Girls are all showcased in this CD. My favorite song for awhile was "Joking" and then I loved "Romeo and Juliet", but now it all just reminds me of college and great memories.

If you are looking for one CD to get from the Indigo Girls this one would be a good choice because it has beautiful songs and you can listen to it over and over again.