Customer Reviews

Strange Angels

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I like this album, even though I liked Hips and Makers better. Some really great songs appear in this second solo effort. "Gazeebo Tree" and "Hope" are fantastic. She is an incredible guitarist and a spinner of surrealist paintings that often leave you reeling. The downside of this album is that it can be at times cold, and a little relentless in her bleak landscape of madness, isolation, and extreme of consciousness. Deffenitely for the lover of acoustic albums and poetry of the damned.

Were I to get stranded on a desert island with the luxury of a cd player, this album would be all I'd need to stay sane. I can't praise Strange Angels enough -- it is a musical revelation, and anyone who loves strange, poetic lyrics and beautiful, stilted guitar melodies, and unforgettable, unconventional voices should own this cd.

Contrary to the first critic, Strange Angels is one of Kristin Hersh's finest works. Well, the cult of Kristin could debate this, but this one is my personal favorite. It's authentic, simple, and gorgeous. I've listened to this record religiously over the last couple years. It's nice warm blanket when faced with the pain of grief. 5 stars, no BS. Best tracks..."Heaven," "Shake," "Aching For You," "Rainy Gazeebo Tree," "Gut Pageant," and "Pale."

When I first heard this, I was a little disappointed that there seemed to be no 'standout' tracks. _Hips And Makers_, good ole Kristin's other solo work so far, is studded with glorious tracks like "A Loon" and "Me And My Charms", with mood swings and folk inclusions giving it the flavor of a compilation of sorts, but _Strange Angels_ sounded so *subdued* in comparison. Several listens later, I hear this album for what it is - wonderful. The songs don't reach out and grab you, but they ooze with so much of that charming Kristin-ness we know and love, it makes you want to reach out and hug her, while also often sending glaring question marks into your consciousness as always, with her almost wilfully abstract and abstruse lyrics. _Strange Angels_ rolls along quietly by; two songs even segue into each other so that the first few times you'll miss the song change. Although 'standouts' are not apparent, as the songs flow so seamlessly into one another, m! y faves are songs like the knowing "Gut Pageant" and sparkling "Baseball Field". A real treat for us Hersh fans, and I can't wait for more...

This has to be my favorite Kristin Hersh record. I love Throwing Muses and was happy to hear Kristin Hersh's solo efforts. This album doesn't disappoint. While some may prefer it to be rockier, there's something very comforting and cathartic in the gentle sweeps and waves of the songs. Is it for everyone? Probably not.

If you listen to PJ Harvey you'll understand the analogy that this is Kristin Hersh's "To Bring You My Love". If you don't listen to PJ Harvey, it's a very mellow/folky album, more conceptual.

There are some songs I like more than others. "Home", "Shake", and "Like You" are my current favorites, while "Some Catch Flies" if very hit or miss to me.

This is one of my all time favorite records. It's very fitting to very specific moods. Well worth the chance you'll be giving it.

"Strange Angels", Kristen Hersh's latest album, is a haunting mix of dreamy, surreal lyrics, crisp acoustic guitar, and emotive vocals. The songs range from the wry humor of "Like You" "...excuse me, a doormat is good honest work..." to the starkly candid "Aching For You" "...We're born again losers...". As usual, her playing (on the trusty Collings) is flawless, her voice intimate and rich. Although Kristen isn't as popular in the States as she is abroad, she is unanimously adored by the music critics, and with good reason. She is one of the most talented (and underappreciated) musicians of her genre--music that is both intellectual and beautiful to hear. God forbid.

"Strange Angels" is some of the most beautiful musical work that I have ever experienced. I really liked Throwing Muses and when I heard they disbanded, and Kristin was going solo, I was a little apprehensive, but this work is so much more introspective and delicate. This album speaks to me because of the intoxicating melodies and manic depressive lyrics. Hersh may rival the McCartney/Lennon (writing) team for such beautiful lyrics!! This is my favorite CD for all of these reasons.This makes me want to be a songwriter. Thanks Kristin!

"Gazebo Tree" is truly amazing, a five-star track among her or anyone's best to be sure. Glad I heard it performed live too, it's even better!

I picked this album up because I'm a fan of "Throwing Muses", and I assumed her solo work would be something like that. Well, the similarities are there, but this is no "The Real Ramona". "Strange Angels" is pretty much an acoustic album, so it's not really alt-rock, as much as it is a folky singer/songwriter kind of thing. Overall it's good, just not great. Because it's only her singing and playing, many of the songs tend to sound the same, all good, just similar. I doubt this is her best release, but if you're a fan, especially of her voice and guitar work, you should love "Strange Angels".

this is the most real and moving cd i have ever listened to in my life. you can't listen to this cd without feeling shivers, as corny as that sounds. it just is like, the soundtrack to all my feelings and problems. however, kristin hersh is not for everyone. her voice and songs are completely raw and vulnerable and deep, and not for those who like music without meaning or feeling. but for those who do, strange angels would be a perfect match.