Customer Reviews

Spine

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

 

 

Veda Hille deserves to be a LOT more famous than she is. Fans of Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, and Poe will LOVE her quirky, off-center style. Her voice is a little like Ani Difranco's, with a small dash of Dido tossed in. Her lyrics are, like Tori's, cathartic without being sappy, and so very, very true to life.

I would give tracks like "Bellyfish" and "Instructions" a good hard listen. "Bellyfish" is a rocking, snarling rant, and "Instructions" is a Baz Lurhmann-esque life philosophy in eighteen simple steps. Also listen to "26 Years," one of the most heartfelt and emotional tracks on this stunning CD...

I was checking Amazon to see if her new CD (due out in Canada in Sept '99) is out yet in the US. Darn. I discovered her on a trip to Canada; this CD is stunning. I have since bought her other earlier CD's, but this is the one to buy.

Veda Hille has created a wonderful, unique style. "Spine" is nearly perfect. I love the tenderness of songs like "26 Years" and the grittiness of "instructions" and "One Hot Summer." A beautiful mix of poetic words and great music. For you art lovers out there, you may also enjoy "Here is a Picture," an earlier CD by Hille based on the life of Canadian artist Emily Carr.

Veda Hille is talented. No joke. This album could not have come to me at a better time. Songs like "Sweet" and "One Hot Summer" are to be reckoned with. Her music is strong, dark, and at the brink of a rather lonesome breakdown. It's not for the weak at heart, as she warns, but well worth it if you're ready to listen.

I heard this song ("Shamus & Stone") on the car radio - about two characters straight out of Beckett, dark, processional piano chords, lots of empty space. And then this voice: trembling, speaking, almost singing, the occasional word elongated, becoming a note - that moment when speech gives way to song. I reached my destination but the song wasn't over and it had me. I had to sit in the car to hear how it ended (in a whisper), and find out who it was. Veda Hille? Never heard of her. But I should have heard of her by now, and so should you. And why was there only this one album listed on Amazon, with only one copy of it available, used for $1.99? I mean, good for me, but really, this is ridiculous. I later came across one of her earlier albums in a bargain bin; interesting, but this one is special.

Reviews can't really get across how unusual this is: poetic, raw, abstract, intense, feverish, literate art rock. She's not afraid to use words like "fealty" and "arable", or instruments like tenor guitar, bowed saw, bullroarer, and yakbak, or tricky time signatures. Some of it rocks and there are some lovely ballads. I get the references to Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan, but don't let that put you off like it would me - you aren't likely to hear this on commercial radio. I'd say she has more in common with Mary Margaret O'Hara and Robin Holcomb (that quiver in the voice). There is nothing fashionable or trendy about this, and frankly I have a hard time thinking of many people I know who would appreciate it. That's a good thing - music this difficult to categorize usually ends up staying with me.

Veda Hille (Veda hil-lee). I love her! Everybody who can should listen to this record, not just music, but a fountain of emotional and musical fulfillness! When you look for something defined, this is not your record, but if you're searching for an open-minded musician who does not confirm with just one style this is it!!! Trip-Hop, Rock, Pop, every genre is in this record. What can I say, listen to it, and you will never forget it! ******

It's difficult to describe Veda Hille for those who have not experienced her. She's got an amazing, powerful voice which she augments with her jazzy piano playing and her tenor guitar. This album features a wide variety of songs, from the gentle and pretty "Seasoned" to the fierce "Bellyfish" (which contains the most exciting climax I've ever heard in a song). It would be easy to compare Hille with Tori Amos, especially on songs like "26 Years", but this comparison is a bit off-base when taking in the album as a whole. Each song is unique, and yet the tracks are threaded together by their intensity, the original arrangements, and Hille's incredible voice.

Wow. What a Album. I suggjest everyone to listen and feel it in their hearts. The sounds that are created are stunning and alive. The Saw in sweet makes you want to cry. The elastic bands on 6 feet of silence are amaizing. Every song is different and has something new to grab at your heart! I have been listening to it more and more since I got it. There is not much to compare it to because this artist is simply rare. I couldn't even try.