Customer Reviews

Russian Lullabies

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

 

 

This is one of the rare albums to emerge from the CCM market that is absolutely essential. It's out of print (though it looks like there are still a few copies, used, that you can get through Amazon at this point) so the band has the album available as a legal and free download off their site.

Havalina is one of those rare bands who can switch up their sound every album, and yet still have the music feel like Havalina. This is their best, although "Space, Love, and Bullfighting" is also great.

I have bought this album more times than any other -- as gifts, replacements for my own lost/lent out copy, etc.

The faraway sadness, the influences of Tom Waits (before I'd even heard of Tom Waits); the beautiful originality, and the adventurous yet honest approach make this album a trip all over the map musically, and one of the most challenging and rewarding CDs I own.

Recently I lost my only copy of Russian Lullabyes, and it is impossible to re-obtain, being out of print. It has taken me several weeks, and I still have not recovered from the idea I may never hear "Total Depravity" again.

Havalina Rail Co. manage to capture so much emotion on this album. From the jumpy opening track "Tundra" to the "Red and Blue Lights(in St. Petersburgh)" they have set themselves apart from any other musical group. Can't wait to hear their other stuff.

Wignall and his cronies once again demonstrate their talent and originality with "Russian Lullabies". From the haunting rhythm of "Total Depravity" to the gorgeous lilt of Lori Suri on "Winter" to the vituosity of "St. Petersburg" Havalina Rail Co. shines through as one of the truly great bands of the Twentieth Century.

With their third CD release, these guys show a growth and aptitude as to yet undemonstrated by their previous works. Newcomer Eric Nieto's violins raise memories of Django Reinhardt while Lori Suri's vocals on "Winter" are nothing less than sublime. Once more the rest of the guys pull through and deserve medals for the effort: Matt Wignall's song writing just gets better with age; Orlando Greenhill's bass is amazing as expected (his composition "Before Ararat" is hectic--but a good kind of hectic); Mark Cole--heh...what band alive actually uses a percussionist?...well keep up the good work; the Fabulous Thunderbird, Jeff Suri, as usual adds a nice touch with his drumwork; and finally, it's always good to hear Nathan Jensen's sweet ol' sax shining through the gloam and to hear his vocals once again on "Dreams".

Keep up the good work guys!

I love this CD. It is probably my favorite Havalina CD, while my brother says it is his least favorite. I guess it is a style thing but if you like music that is a bit quirky and off beat, you may like this.

it's a low-down-dirty-rotten shame this band isn't still around making crazy-awesome, russian-surf-jazzy-bluesy-funky-sweet-rock-n-roll music!
very creative and talented group, if you ever had the priviledge to see them live you would know... but that is neither here nor there. the songs are well crafted sometimes crazy and borderline insane but i still think they're brilliant. some of the best road trip music ever!!!