Customer Reviews

Season of Rain

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Following an Amazon list recommendation I stumbled across this unknown artist.... and like a pearl laying quietly on the ocean bottom I found this a rare and wonderful creation.

The singing is gentle, soothing and understated, the instrumentation the same but a bit more exquisite, the lyrics are deceptive and abstract seeming, the whole production is tight, and relaxing.

For months I'd been casually listening to this CD (wondering what it was about), then today I read the liner notes for the first time and it hit me with full force... the tragic personal loss, the meditations on life after life, the loving dedication...and it blew me away - both from the depth of feeling, and the subtle manner it is delivered with (soothing interesting adult pop tunes carrying an intensly sad story, with Merrie singing a bit like Aimee Mann or a mellow Kate Bush and writing songs like Lucinda Williams).

This is deep and satisfying art. Merrie deserves to be way better known!

This is one of those sad, dark and beautiful CD's that blows away most of the established folk / rock competition without trying to. The careful, understated arrangements are rich with melodic background themes, sonorous and brooding overtones and unexpected but natural sounding harmonic twists through which the vocal melodies flow effortlessly. A few songs are slow and introspectively paced but most have a strong yet unforced rhythmic pulse that carries them home. While Merrie doesn't sound like Shawn Colvin or Radiohead ("OK Computer") or Solas, if you like the creativity of those diverse artists I think you'll like this CD. There isn't a bad (or filler) track on the CD and I've been listening to it for over a year and a half and haven't tired of it. Merrie's talent is the real thing, not just the flavor-of-the-day.

I can't stop listening to this CD! While there's not one bad song on the CD, the even-numbered tracks are my favorites. She has a wonderful, distinctive voice, and writes great melodies with thoughtful lyrics. If you're looking for something you don't here on mainstream radio, try this CD.

Her fantastic, clear voice is not overwhelmed by the music, which is great also. Can't wait for more.

The more I listened, the more I liked this CD. Merrie has a lovely voice, but doesn't try to overwhelm the music with vocal gymnastics. Instead, one is drawn in to the songs by the stories, vivid word-pictures and nice melodies. The musicianship is first-rate, particularly some classy, understated guitar work by Peter Linton. I saw the band recently in Cambridge at the Lizard Lounge, and they're at the top of their game. Wonder when we'll have a follow-up?

Merrie Amsterburg is one of those songwriters that shines brighter than most but doesn't get those well deserved accolades. While Little Steps and Clementine are wonderful releases on their own, Season of Rain will blow you away. I could never find the words to describe the beauty and power inherent in these songs, so do yourself a favor and buy the CD. And Merrie, I sure hope that you keep recording. The world needs to hear your voice.

There was another review here that said she 'couldn't stop listening to this album' and I found that I have the same feeling. I discovered Merrie Amsterburg from a compilation cd that included her cover of The Police's "Walking On The Moon." When I bought the cd, though, I found that nearly every track is good. This is one of the few albums I can listen to all the way through without skipping a track. There's something haunting and beautiful about her soulful voice. I've recommended it to all my friends.

Merrie is a wonderful songwriter and her talents are captured on this CD. It's a must for any music fan! Check it out.

I loved this CD. The music is deep and meaningful without bringing the listener down. She really has the ability to touch people. This is a great buy for any age.

Heartfelt and real - you can't help but be moved by this music. It will touch your soul.