Customer Reviews

Southern Manners

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The statuesque Watson Twins are much more than back-up singers. "Southern Manners" has an organic, easy listening feel along the line of early Sarah McLachlan and Beth Orton. These songs recorded in analog offer a nice midrange balencing out the strong vocals of Chandra and Leigh Watson. Whichever sister is singing lead, the CD holds up well throughout in a modern kind of way. So if you're expecting "Mr. Sandman" type songs, it's the wrong album. Yet someone who was into the singer, songwriters of the 70's (Carole King, Carly Simon, Heart's "Dreamboat Annie" harmony) might also relate to what these young ladies present. The Watson Twins do their own material, but it's obvious they have extensive backgrounds in music from the past. The songs are catchy. Think of a heavenly escape with a little fire along the journey. If the music alone is not enough, the artistic, fold-out album cover compares to great works of the past like "Clouds" and "Swamp Ophelia". Don't let the EP or low price be a turn off. "Southern Manners" is one of the best hidden treasures of 2006.

I've had the album they made with Jenny Lewis for a pretty good while now but I somehow managed to miss this one until the other day. In any case, when I discovered it existed I quickly scoured the whole town trying to find a copy so I didn't have to wait for shipping. No luck. I ordered it from Amazon and got it a speedy (but painful!) three days later.

My first thoughts went a little something like this: "..." Yeah, I didn't know what to say. Totally speechless. It's that good.

At first I had a hard time defining exactly what this is, but then again, that makes it even better. Something this great is what happens when you stop caring about genres, labels, and classifications. You can't just call something "country" and throw in a few pedal steel lines and expect it to really be country (did you get that, Michelle Branch?).

The production is great. Nice warm, earthy, dare I say "analog" sound. This is stuff I'd love to listen to on the original factory radio in a mid-1970's Chevy truck. Anywhere else for that matter, but you get the idea.

If you dug the Jenny Lewis/Watson Twins collaboration, by all means, pick this up. You'll be ridiculously far from disappointed.

If you haven't heard that yet (I would say "or just didn't like it," but come on, that's impossible) then put it this way: it's two talented (and foxy) twins harmonizing perfectly, writing their own songs, and playing real live instruments. It's goose bump-inducing not-quite-country, not-quite-rock music chock full of lush acoustic instrumentation and melodies you have to hear to believe.

To sum it all up, my sister looked at the track listing and said, "there are only eight songs?" I replied with, "yeah, I wish there were like fifty." I'm totally stoked for an LP.

I ran across The Watson Twins' music by accident, but I'm very happy I did. Their writing and vocals are simply stunning. I think their music will appeal to a wide variety of music lovers. Go to their myspace page and listen to a few of their songs; I bet you'll like what you hear!

These women have the voices of angels. This album is beautiful and relaxing...reminds me of a lazy summer day. My standouts are: Southern Manners (charming), Shoot the Lights Out (reminds me a little of Cat Power, but even more beautiful), Darlin' Song (my favorite, just...hmm...listen to it!!), and What'll I Do (with guest appearance from Jenny Lewis).
These women have an incredible future in front of them. I instantly connect to their music,charm, beauty...Perfect album for any day.

Beautiful voices and excellent songs! Yes, the Watson twins write their own material and how talented they are. Hearing this CD, you expect to find Jackson Browne or John Prine in the credits but these songs are all brand new! Listen to Shoot the lights out and hear the birth of a classic. And they really don't need anyone else to sing it. What a pleasure, what a discovery for an oldie like myself. I can't wait for the next CD to come out. With or without record company, sing on Watsons!

This terrific little gem is an absolutely perfect edge-of-country cd. The lyrics are smart and are deliciously delivered. These lovely ladies DO KNOW HARMony! High School is a knock out tune that I have not noticed being mentioned in the other reviews. Show some manners and check them out! ;)

These ladies are the real deal. Earthy, organic production that straddles genres (Indie, Americana, Adult Contemporary) without ever sounding forced or cloying. Calls to mind a timeless classic along the lines of Carole King's TAPESTRY but with enough of a modern touch to keep it grounded in the now. This is a CD that your indie rock little brother and your Mom would probably both dig equally (not to mention everyone in between). And you can make out to it!!!!

Listening to Southern Manners, you might not guess that it's the Watson Twins' debut album. It's very polished, easy on the ears, and the music stays with you. I'd recommend this even to people who don't normally listen to country / folk music.

Get this one before Fire Songs. It may be because it (Southern Manners) has only acoustic songs but it feels more personal and sincere than Fire Songs, where it's songs sound like they sing just to sing. In other words there is not as much of a connection.

P.S. Nothing against Fire Songs. I have it and I think it is good but not as much as it's predecessor.

Saw the girls last night in Newport Beach. Their music IS a breath of fresh air. They hung with the crowd before and after the show. Per my wife"Seem like just regular girls."Just finished recording new collection that's in mixing stage now. Stand BY for More!!

This is an absolutely great cd. I hope we hear more like this from the Watson twins in the future.