Customer Reviews

Riverside Battle Songs

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

Each year, only a handful of new records really resonate deeply with me. Two years ago, one of those was Ollabelle's debut release. I'm happy to say that "Riverside Battle Songs" has now become one of those rarified records for '06. Everything about this band has improved as they have spent more time together: their songwriting, their harmonies, and their singing. This time around, Tony and Byron step up to the mic, and it's a welcome appearance. And Glenn's singing has become much stronger (he was good before) - in fact, on the closer he bears some resemblance to veteran New Orleans singer John Boutte, with whom he had worked in the past. And Amy and Fiona continue to strike a beautiful balance between sweetness and soul. Overall, this is a record that will bear years of listening... and I look forward to those years!

I just discovered this group on XM Radio's The Bob Edwards Show. Does anyone hear a resemblance to Crosby, Stills and Nash with respect to some of the harmonies? Initially I struggled to figure out what I was reminded of in Ollabelle's style. The formal review posted on Amazon gave me the answer: Delaney and Bonnie. I have a vinyl recording of Motel Shots with Delaney and Bonnie along with Leon Russell that makes me want to compare the two bands. This is a Two Thumbs Up album that I will 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.

"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.

I love Ollabelle and this is one of their best albums. I think every song on this album is great and could be listed to over and over again. This is a great album to add to anyone's collection of
folk music. The songs tell great stories and the instrumentation is wonderful. Add that to fantastic voices and you cannot go wrong.

The more I listen to this CD, the more I love it. It is a great mix of traditional songs reworked in their own special way and their own new songs. I've seen this band live many times and have never been disappointed. I really like that they take turns with the vocals on different songs and each writes music too. They are a very talented group of musicians, the harmonies are just beautiful. I find that this CD has appeal for all age groups, my mother and my daughter both love it too. I can't wait for their next CD!

What happened to them? Gone is the originality. It's all a reminder of those who have already written this previously. I like the more gospel/christian tunes though.