Small Planes

Innocence Mission | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 2, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: What Are Records
• ASIN: B00005O7S4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,841 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small Planes = Simple Moving Music, October 13, 2001

By 

Timothy J. Slivinski - See all my reviews

This review is from: Small Planes (Audio CD)

Innocence Mission have never had a huge hit; they have never sold millions of records. The vast majority of the CD buying public is completely unaware of their existence. Their music is not bombastic; it does not try to offend. It also does not depend on the latest gimmicks or sound technology--and so much the better. Innocence Mission sing beautiful melodies over rather simple instrumentation. And though this CD is subtitled "Lost and Found Songs 1996-2001," which may suggest a random collection of outtakes and unfinished tracks, it is more than that. As always, Karen Peris' voice is hauntingly, achingly beautiful, creating subtle emotion that is moving in its simplicity. There are tracks here that become instant IM favorites. "Too Early to Say" ranks with the best from "Glow" or Birds Of My Neighborhood." With its lyrics about waiting "for bright news to reach us" and singing "through the city" it is extremely appropriate for a nation attempting to move beyond recent tragedies. The title track is another standout, with the small planes that "never leave my room" and "never make it through" becoming a metaphor for all those dreams and ambitions that we talk about, but never quite get around to fulfilling. Innocence Mission do not need the frills of the modern recording studio to give them a "sound." Their sound comes from the beauty of subtle, yet effective instrumentation combined with a voice unique in its phrasing and its intonation. This CD, while perhaps not the band's best, still ranks several steps above most of what passes for music today. Put this CD on, and then let yourself become lost in the simplicity and beauty that define Innocence Mission.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crafted Songs of Longing and Angelic Voice, May 23, 2003

By 

M. JEFFREY MCMAHON "herculodge" (Torrance, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Small Planes (Audio CD)

I'm somewhat amazed that Innocence Mission seems incapable of writing a bad song, a quality that is most conspicuous on this perfect album, which features spare, acoustic instrumentation, which, combined with angelic and melancholy singing, somehow becomes lush in the best sense of the word. Dripping with melancholy and nostalgia, the songs evoke childhood memories, past longings, reaffirmations of bonds. With this kind of fare, you'd think the album would sink into preciousness, self-absorbed vanity, and sentimentality, but Innocence Mission is incapable of these traps. Their worldview and sensibility is genuine and that authenticity resonates in their music.

How do I rank this album among the Innocence Mission discography, all of which are gems? I tie it with "Glow" for first place. If you like the sensibility of Innocence Mission, you can find a similar longing in The Sundays, The Trash Can Sinatras, Rosie Thomas, and Damien Rice.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Found: The Beautiful Lost Songs, December 20, 2001

By 

Robert S Steele (Madison, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Small Planes (Audio CD)

The Innocence Mission's "Small Planes," a compilation of songs not previously released, brings back pleasant memories of their
"Glow" to "Birds" era and beyond.

Every IM fan seems to have their favorite CD, and Small Planes is mine. I played it cautiously at first, not wanting to be disappointed by songs that perhaps didn't make "first cut." Instead, I found wonderful, simple, and evocative music that seems to become more beautiful with each play. My favorites: "Too Early to Say," "Today," and "Oh, Do Not Fly Away." Karen Peris' haunting voice brings back memories of childhood anticipation, parting with dear friends while wishing them well, and learning to trust. We all have experienced these feelings, and to hear them woven so carefully into their music is nothing less than divine.

I'm sure other IM fans will enjoy this trip down memory lane as I did (and the way I think it was intended)-- a revisitation of a wonderful period for IM, and the evocation of our own memories and experiences that mirror this beautiful songs.