Customer Reviews

Underneath the Stars

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
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In the past two years I have acquired all of Kate Rusby's solo albums as well as Infinite Blue where she sings as a member of The Poozies. There are few artists in my quite large CD collection that even compare with Kate Rusby in terms of talent, lyrical content, or in the sheer beauty of her music. None top her.

The British release of Underneath the Stars came a few months before the its appearnace in the U.S. I couldn't wait. I bought my copy from Amazon UK. I was not disappointed.

While all of Kate's CDs are great (there is not a weak one in the batch), Underneath the Stars is, in my opinion, her best album so far. It is filled with great songs, one of which has become one of my favorite songs.

Kate is a master of writing great tunes and arrangements for traditional songs. She is at the top of her form here. Two tunes in particular--"The Goodman" and "Let Me Be"--stand out. They both are rather humorous songs. Both feature first rate instrumentation and singing.

Kate compliments (and I would say ultimately transcends) the traditional songs on the disc with great songs of her own. "Falling" and "Underneath the Stars" are the best songs on the disc. The title track is a work of sheer beauty that I defy the listener not to fall in love with.

It has become my favorite song.

I cannot recommend this album enough. Quit reading these reviews. You are wasting time better spent listening. Get a copy of Underneath the Stars today. I give it my highest recommendation.

I've come across several criticisms of Kate Rusby's latest release "Underneath the Stars" where the complaint is lodged that the album sounds too much like her previous recordings and she might consider recording with a different producer and some different musicians. There may be some validity to this complaint, however personally I just can't get enough of this brilliant group of musicians Kate has brought together again for this album.

All of "the boys" are back: John McCusker, Andy Cutting, Michael McGoldrick, Ewan Vernal, and in particular Ian Carr. Ian is on board for 11 of the albums 12 tracks, again contributing his wonderfully oddball guitar arrangements and creating lush, vibrant soundscapes for Kate to sing over. His and Cutting's intro to "Cruel" will break your heart even before Kate enters with her achingly beautiful vocal.

The arranging throughout the album continues the gold standard this group has established on Kate's previous recordings. John McCusker brings his cittern playing to the forefront and even adds a little mandolin, creating some hypnotic moments as his and Carr's string playing weave in and out of each other.

Kate's vocals continue too defy you to come up with adjectives to describe her bittersweet voice. In the song "Young James", Eddi Reader contributes another pristine moment reminiscent of her harmony vocals with Kate on "Withered and Died". You can almost feel yourself lifting off the ground as Eddi and Kate's voices join together for the final verse of the song.

Amongst all the exquisite vocal and instrumental performances on the album, you might almost overlook the fine songwriter Kate is becoming. Her song "Falling" is the highlight of the recording, a heartfelt love song which will either fill you with undying love for your partner or leave you bereft and crying into your beer, depending on your perspective.

I must admit I didn't even know who Kate Rusby was when I bought this CD. I was in my usual CD store, looking around for something new and different, and I wandered over to the folk/celtic section almost absentmindedly. I came upon cds by someone named Kate Rusby, and in the mood to give something different a try, came away with Underneath the Stars.
Am I ever glad I did! This is one beautiful album, and she has one gorgeous voice. I have bought a few folk albums before, mainly Lindesfarne and Fairport Convention, but never a solo album, especially by someone with whom I was not familiar.
LET ME BE, CRUEL, and SWEET WILLIAM'S GHOST grabbed me by the soul and would not let go.I will buy the other cds as soon as possible and hope that they are as good as this one. I should try wandering aimlessly around the CD store (or Amazon) more often.

A beautiful voice and a talent for making childhood songs sound new and fresh yet keeping in touch with the deep roots which provide the solid foundation for these pieces. The first song - The Goodman - brings a smile to your face and after you catch on to the lyrics, you'll always sing along!

I have many favorite pieces but the CD's title song "Underneath the Stars" has a wonderful swaying accompaniment that always entices my finger to press the "repeat" button.

Rarely can one find a CD where they like ALL of the songs. I'm pretty new to the folk music world, but Kate's music is a delightful blend of upbeat melodies and whimsical storytelling. I have bought several of her CDs and now consider her my favorite musician. I plan on traveling to England this year to see one of her shows. Her beautiful voice and Welsh accent combine for the lovliest songs I've ever heard. Please tour in the U.S., Kate! You have many fans here.

If you are not familiar with Kate Rusby, do yourself a favor and purchase this CD...or get it for a loved one. Kate has one of the most beautiful voices on the planet, and she is joined by tasteful and creative accoustic musicians. Each arrangement is unique and enjoyable, and there is a continuity of flow and emotion. I like a CD that does not jump around in mood and ambience; you can settle into this one and enjoy the variety of finesse, without being rudly jolted into another space. The lyrics tell interesting tales from another time. I love the harmony singing on "Cruel"; I would have preferred more vocal harmonies, but Kate's voice is so pure and fulfilling and the instrumentation is so interesting that the sound is still delightful.
I love giving Kate Rusby's music to friends...what a privalege to share such a gift...what a discovery for people who are primarily exposed to commercial "pop" music.
"Underneath the Stars" is one of my favorite Kate Rusby CDs, and I have enjoyed them all immensely!

Kate is a wonderful singer. Her "Underneath the Stars" is as nice as "Little Lights" and "10". These recent albums of hers are really a showcase of talent. Production is wonderful. Nothing over-done. The music is simple and is presented in its purity and simplicity with a seemingly light touch at the board. Thank heavens!

Kate has the supreme good luck (and good sense) to know her strengths and to play to them -- and we ALL benefit. And while the music is simple, when Kate writes new music for a traditional lyric, often the harmonies are not so simple but the overall musical effect is always beautifully matched to the lyrics and the listener is left with an impression not of a big fancy production but of a simply beautiful production -- with real, live human musicians playing real instruments, not studio pros on drum machines and other electronic crap.

Many of Kate's songs come from a long-ago tradition (even the new ones she writes) but what's important is that it is a tradition of beauty, a tradition of fine craft, and a tradition of respect.

If you don't know Kate Rusby's music, Underneath the Stars would a fine place to start but any of the other albums mentioned here are equally fine. She is a treasure and the lads she brings along to play and sometimes sing along with her make a musical team that simply CANNOT be beat.

I'm a singer myself, and therefore very picky about voices. Kate's sultry voice easily transitions from lilting, playful sea shanties to haunting, soulful ballads. Her pitch and timing are flawless, and her sense of style is unique and winning. The title track is a standout (and her own composition). I would highly recommend her to anyone who enjoys a song well sung.

Kate Rusby is amazing. Her voice is new to me and I am so grateful to have found her. There is something so sweet and peaceful in her songs. Plus, I love the accent. If you would like to hear a refreshening beautiful sound, listen to Kate Rusby. This album isnt my favorite of hers, only because I have three right now and cant choose one over the other. They are all very good.

Kate Rusby is in fine form with her latest CD. Her accoustic arrangements of traditional and traditional-sounding folk songs are wonderful. Her voice is sweet and pure. Unlike some of her other recordings, there are no weak tracks on this CD. You'll find yourself singing along to "The Goodman" (which is hillariously funny) and "The Blind Harper", and crying over "Cruel" and "Sweet William's Ghost." British folk music doesn't get any better than this!