Customer Reviews

Small Planes

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

In our current time of national angst and confusion sweeping us into a swirling mismatch of patriotic fervor and anti-war sentiment, it is an immeasurable relief to set this new album by the inspirational Innocence Mission into my home stereo. I'm not going to say that playing this CD makes everything in the world better or the tragedy understandable, but it is definitely a relieving distraction that gently harmonizes affection for my fellow neighbor and reasserts my faith in peace.

The Innocence Mission have been releasing records since 1989. "Small Planes", their fifth release, covers the years since 1996. Take a close listen to Don Peris' mastered but mellow use of the electric guitar together with the celestial, soprano-singing style of his wife, Karen, and you will catch similarities from some of their influences, such as Neil Young and Simon & Garfunkel, in their performance as well as their songwriting. The lyrics come off as mysterious and elusive when read by themselves on the liner notes. Blended with the relaxing pace of the band's music, the songs become alive and refresh us with stories of affection and travel. The songs, mostly written by Karen Peris guiding the pacifistic melody with her childlike voice, maintain aspects of loneliness and the act of displacement.

On "Song About Traveling", Karen sings, "A man said Why, why does traveling/ in cars and in trains make him feel sad,/ a beautiful sadness./ I've felt this before./ It's the people in the cities you'll never know,/ it is everything you pass by,/ wondering, will you ever return?" This sort of sentiment that reflects love for your fellow human is a motif for this very sweet and timely album. Songs like "Too Early To Say", "Some Clear Joy Is Coming", and "I Have Loved You" personify the Innocence Mission as an entity expressing grief over the departure and absence of a loved one. During these days of hostile suspicion and resentment to differing opinions, their music on this album could not be more welcome and their mission may very well save us all from hatred.

Innocence Mission fans have been anticipating this release for some time now. Blending songs from both the 'Glow' and 'Birds' sessions + a few new pieces, "Small Planes" is a wonderful wash of folk ballads and pop songs. Unlike so much music out there right now, IM delivers carefully crafted songs, focusing on the subtle details. Gentle piano and acoustic guitar dominate most of the songs, making a strong foundation for Karen's beautiful voice and reminiscent lyrics and Don's signature electric guitar. Songs like 'Migration' and the title track, 'Small Planes' are sad and reflective while the happier 'Today' and 'Too Early To Say' will leave you hopeful for the future. In the wake of our tragedy, the Innocence Mission deliver an unplanned but timely message of hope. This album is a gem.

"Small Planes" is amazing. I never understood how some artists best works end up as album edits or B sides to the singles. Songs like "Today" , "Songs about traveling" and "Some clear joy is coming" aren't just wonderful songs, but they are the kind of songs you play over and over. How these tracks never made it onto the previous CD's, I'll never understand. The rest of the songs have a nice easy listening flow to them that is pleasing. The Innocecnce Mission have always had the knack of being on the verge of sounding meloncholy, but at the same time sounding uplifting. The songs make you think of your own life, past, present and future. The things you have seen and experienced and the things that you will. An outstanding effort.

After years of listening to the dejected and jaded, this music is like a cool hand on a fevered forehead. Their name says so much of their message: why not pursue innocence as a way of living life? Yes, we know, the world is a horrible place and people are only out for what they can get, money and power rule, and so on. Or maybe that's just the power we've given those pursuits? When, actually,is there anything more boring than debauchery?
I love this music and the lovliness of it for itself alone, but I find myself understanding that, yet again, the path to God is to be pure of heart.

A great collection of "lost songs". 10,000 Maniacs "Hope Chest" comes to mind as a point of comparison, but I would say this is much better. Not to slight any of the songs Innocence Mission recorded after these, but the feel here is a little looser and a bit more carefree, and the songs really benefit from the extra room they're given to breathe. I can only imagine this one rising in my estimation after further listens.

Karen Peris of the Innocence Mission has the distinction of sounding basically like NO ONE else. And her voice has a certain quality that can simply reduce one to tears. On this album, like all the others, there are a few up-tempo songs, but ... I prefer the slower ones. And this may sound morbid, but ... I've always loved listening to their records alone in the dark, just crying my eyes out. This album is no exception, and like many other reviewers, I would rank it right up there at #2, just behind the 1989 debut (which is a pop masterpiece).

I was going to take the time to list what my favorite songs on this album are, but honestly I can't seem to weed out the good from the bad ... they're all great. In fact, it's a privelage to say that out of all the Innocence Mission songs in existence there's only maybe two or three that I don't care for, and those are on the second album. But since I feel I MUST pick out some favorites, they would be "Too Early to Say," "Today," and "Oh Do Not Fly Away."

Music, to me, is supposed to represent--mainly--some sort of escapism from life. The weird thing is the Innocence Mission sings ABOUT life ... and that's exactly the escapism I seem to need.

Once again so much musicianship and emotion from the small quartet. It feeds your soul like big skies and hidden streams.
Karen's voice swirls and dances on the soft acoustic strumming laced with gentle electric pops of the diving fender. Ummph!, this is good music. If you liked glow, your in for a second feast! I know this CD will live in my lasertable until I've lifted all the juice from each note. Se la Vie!