She Hangs Brightly

Mazzy Star | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 12, 1991)
• Original Release Date: November 12, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000002UY3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,402 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #5 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Dream Pop

Editorial Reviews

Exclusive Australian-only two CD set featuring a double dosage of Hope Sandoval and Mazzy Star. She Hangs Brightly, their debut, was originally released in 1990 followed three years later by So Tonight That I Might See. EMI. 2007. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still Recall the Day....., February 1, 2004

By 

Rob K (Encinitas, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: She Hangs Brightly (Audio CD)

My best friend Tony and I piled ourselves and our surfing gear into his old Fiat to begin the hour-long drive to the beach for a day of surfing He says, "here,I'll take care of the music", and puts in a cassette of someone called Mazzy Star. I'm not one of those people who makes snap judgements about music, for better or for worse. Whatever the end result may be, There are a few exceptions, and She Hangs Brightly ended up to be just such an exception. No more than 90 seconds into Halah, the opening track, I found myself saying to Tony, "Who is this?? I REALLY like this....whoever it is."

So that was the first day I ever heard the completely unique sounds of Mazzy Star, and I can still recall the exact moment well over 10 years later.

I went on to spend the entire decade of the '90s calling Mazzy Star one of my favorite bands whenever the topic came up in conversation. Even though I give this one five stars, I actually prefer the other two a bit more I think, particularly So Tonight That I Might See, their second release. There's just something about that album. It's like their sound overall...I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe that's the whole point. Yes, Hope Sandoval's blissfully enchanting voice has alot to do with it. And as much as she no doubt hates hearing it, it was easy to fall in love with her vicariously through her dreamy vocals. But a sexy frontwoman alone does not a great band make. The musicianship of the rest of the band is equal in its ability to enchant the listener. In other words, Mazzy Star was always more than just a pretty face. The band had an elusive quality about them, an element of mystery. You can get lost in their music. If you were a drug user, you no doubt spent many memorable moments letting the swirling sounds overtake you and your senses (and I suppose an equal number that aren't so memorable). While I've done my share of experimentation, I always found Mazzy's music plenty powerful to put me into that special state of mind even when stone cold sober. One just needs to be in an introspective mood (and a good pair of headphones doesn't hurt). This isn't the sort of album you put into your Walkman when heading out for a jog though, clearly.

Recalling my first exposure to this wonderful band - seemingly now defunct - is a pleasant memory. If you've read other reviews of their albums, you should by now have an idea whether or not Mazzy Star is up your alley. If you have even the vaguest feeling that it is, don't hesitate to give them a try right away.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary Contemplation, April 26, 2000

By 

Bethany McKinney (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: She Hangs Brightly (Audio CD)

I first heard this CD by accident. I went to a thrift store and bought a blank tape with "mix tape" scrawled on it by its previous owner, and decided to buy it and let the contents surprise me. That's the best 25 cents I ever spent. First, I heard "Holah" which I had heard before; and after hearing their dreamy vocals, I wondered why I never bought any of their CDs before. I never knew such a small detail like the subtle clash of the tambourine could really make the difference on a CD. But it's Mazzy Star's attention to detail on this CD that makes it such a masterpiece. It's smooth and emotionally intrusive at the same time--which makes it a perfect CD to accompany a contemplative drive or a thoughtful evening. And the tape from the thrift store wore out quickly...so I bought the CD.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mazzy has a captivating style sure not to disappoint, February 23, 2005

By 

M. Jellison "Foodie, Wine-Loving, Photographer" (Cincinnati, OH United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: She Hangs Brightly (Audio CD)

I have to agree with J.Chadwick.

This entire CD is very melodic and groovy with a psychedelic feel to the songs. I love how entrancing Hope Sandoval's voice is combined with the resonating chords on the guitar and keyboard. I think of the 3 Mazzy Star CDs, this is my least favorite, but it is still very excellent. I highly recommend "Among My Swan" and "So Tonight That I Might See," which I play to wind down to after a long day, or as someone else mentioned...it's great for making out to! Whenever I just want to chill out with a good drink, I usually put Mazzy Star, Pink Floyd, or The Doors in the CD player.