Riverside Battle Songs

Ollabelle

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 1, 2006)
• Original Release Date: August 1, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Verve Forecast
• ASIN: B000G8NXFU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #93,464 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With the musical maturity of this sophomore release, Ollabelle extend their accomplishment of forging a singular style bridging folk and art songs from the talents of five singer-songwriters. While Amy Helm, daughter of the Band's Levon, boasts the highest-profile lineage, the two-woman, three-man band has the balance of a democratic collective, combining deep roots with soaring, sophisticated harmonies. "Troubles of the World," an elegiac reading of the traditional "Riverside," the call-and-response of "Gone Today," and the closing "Last Lullaby" reflect the spiritual underpinnings of the quintet's signature sound, but the stylistic range extends from the Caribbean lilt of the opening "See Line Woman" and the stately country waltz of "Heaven's Pearls" to the delta blues of "Fall Back" and the Celtic balladry of "Dream the Fall." Except for the lovesick "Blue Northern Lights" and the bittersweet delicacy of "Everything Is Broken," it's difficult to distinguish the band's arrangements of traditional material from the original songwriting that dominates. Larry Campbell, formerly of Bob Dylan's band, provides superb production and multi-instrumental support. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous Sophomore Release!!!!, August 22, 2006

By	Anna Louis "Annamusica" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Ollabelle has done it again. I truly enjoyed their first record because of its honesty and respect for the past but this record takes the band to a whole different level. Although very eclectic in nature, this quality works for, and not against the record as a whole. So many well crafted tunes on this one. Everything from the subtle anti-war protest sentiments of "Riverside" and "Dream the Fall" to the heartbroken "Blue Northern Lights and Northern Star" resonate with a beauty and restraint that is rare in modern record making. I can't recommend this one enough. Very happy that real music is still alive.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It took long to release, but it was worth the wait, September 19, 2006

By	Dan G (Troy, MI USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I discoved this eclectic band in '04 with their first CD and deeply enjoyed it. I also caught a live show in Detroit and was very pleased to find that they are not just a result of studio magic (though the production only both CD's is to be complimented).

And now, their follow-up release is better than the first. They write good songs, but they are at their best re-working standards like Riverside. There is something very cool about a band that spans more genres than it has members. I'm already looking forward to #3.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just plain good music, December 15, 2006

By	R. Kyle (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"Riverside Battle Songs" has something for everyone. Their music has a harmony and resonance similar to that of classic partnerships such as Simon and Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Their influences range from Celtic to Cajun to Country--and their topics are timely and timeless--as in the war protest of "Riverside Battle Songs." The first CD was a delight--this follow-up has only fulfilled the initial promise.