Customer Reviews

Volcano

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Every now and then, I read reviews of CD's that have been out for a while, and decide that I need to make a comment. Some folks seem to think that when an artist changes their creative direction and even their basic style and/or subject matter (for whatever reason; marriage to another prominent musician, children, etc.), they have "sold out" for commercial success, or even worse, that they have betrayed their fan base. When Joni Mitchell came out with her heavily synthesized, and extremely political DOG EAT DOG, one could practically hear the collective screams of her longtime fans around the world. The critics were merciless (PLEASE, Joni, go back to writing love songs)! Although, in retrospect, DOG EAT DOG is not one of Joni's most enduring works, it paved the way for a new artistic direction, and some of her late period masterpieces like NIGHT RIDE HOME and TURBULENT INDIGO combined social and political commentary with the more intimate, confessional qualities she had been known for. VOLCANO has not been pulverized by the critics in the way that DOG EAT DOG was, but there has been lots of dismay expressed by those who wanted Edie Brickell to remain as she was, a cool bohemian with a major streak of eccentricity, qualities she seems to have traded in for domestic bliss (a sort of reversal of what happened with Mitchell). One reviewer here feels no passion in Brickell's new music. Here's were I beg to differ; this music takes small, everyday subject matter and converts it to poetry. The singing and the musicianship are at once tight and relaxed. This is a very neat record that contains little hidden moments of reflection and revelation to be discovered upon repeated listening. I really liked PICTURE PERFECT morning (and seem to part with majority opinion on that one), but this later CD is more immediate and raw, and at the same time, more polished and sophisticated. I can't wait to hear the results of her upcoming reunion the New Bohemians, and I have little doubt that what she has learned as a solo performer will only enhance her new group work.

This is a great CD all-around. It's easy listening but it has that Brickell edge to it. Sure, it's loads different from Shooting Rubber Bands at the Stars, but Edie still refuses to conform to other popular musicians' standards and that's what works for this CD. A few of the tracks like The Messenger and Take a Walk sound like she is talking to her child. It's very enchanting and sweet. Much more warm and inviting than some of her earlier stuff, which was fun, but this is much deeper.

This is my 1st album of hers and she impressed me. Extremely melodic and original. Remember when you felt like you've listened to the same songs over and over again? You won't find it in this album. Each song is carefully written and unique without leaving its alternative genre. She may surprise you in some occasion with original sounds. "Oo La La" is an example, you'll hear some Paul Simon influence in this song too. No complicated guitar playing, just some light drum beat. "Once In a Blue Moon" and "Volcano" are two very emotionally melodic songs. In "Volcano" song she started with some blues tunes, but it was then balanced with some sweet pleasant sound. For a not-so-big fan of blues like me, this is a clever finish touch. "What Would You Do" is a very quiet song, just her vocal and a guitar playing. (...) Perfect for some rainy days and driving out in the country side.

While this CD is not likely to convert any new listeners, it should please Edie's fans. Much like her previous solo release "Picture Perfect Morning", this is at times subtle and gorgeous. This is the type of record that some might dismiss on first listen as boring or too laid back. But repeated listens reward the listener as the musical gems emerge. I will admit a slight bit of disappointment that her music didn't continue in the direction hinted at on "Ultimate", but this is still a pleasant, enjoyable companion to "Picture".

Here's hoping that her next release doesn't take a decade and that she teams up again with the Bohemians for a dose of extra energy.

a gorgeous masterpiece of sound and songwriting that more than justifies its wait. Having been a huge fan of Charlie Sexton since the eighties, it's quite wonderful to see his imprint on this.

With all the other "pop" female vocalists sweeping the charts lately, it's a joy to discover something so unique, spiritual and enduring.

This is an endlessly enjoyable work that gets better with every listen.

Feast your ears on this beautifully haunting new album from Edie Brickell! I have been a huge fan of hers for years now and have devoured every little morsel of music she has made over the years. This however, is by far is the most important album she's ever made. The first thing that you notice is the amazing sound coming from your CD player, it is an extremely sensitive recording of her beautiful voice. The lyrics are what Edie does best and these are nothing short of brilliant. If you are a Fan you will LOVE LOVE this album - if you aren't a fan you will become one instantly.

i have been a longtime fan of edie brickell since back in the day when she was part of new bohemians. her solo work has never been as amazing as her material with the members of the new bohemians. i was beginning to wonder if the talent laid within the band and not herself. well yesterday at 5:30 pm i bought my copy of her new solo cd volcano. i am very pleased to say that what edie has turned in nothing short of amazing. finally there is a solo cd worthy of edie's talents. the biggest change to come to edie is the ideas she retained by recently reuniting with the new bo's. on her first solo cd every song seemed to have different players but on here edie only uses just a handful of musicians creating a band feeling without the band. her producer charlie sexton is the best producer to come out in recent memory. he never overdoes the production but he never underplays it either. it's always there when it needs to be. take for example the song i'd be surprised. the songs starts off slow but slowly begins to build until you have a full out rock song. charlie though never pushes the song over the top. this is also a credit to edie. edie has always managed to take you down one road only to change direction right in the middle. simply put this cd is excellent. the words really hit home for me on some of the songs( once in a blue moon, not saying goodbye, and more than friends for exaple). if anyone has been reading my reviews that i have posted during the last few months they would know. i am going through a rough and weird relationship but i wouldn't trade it for the world. as for the music it is just teriffic. the musicians that back edie up are stellar as is edie. once in a blue moon is a great example. the song is amazing but halfway through you hear this drum kick in more and the song is taken up several notches. i'd be surprised is a pure example of edie's talent. the way she sings the lines "hangin' out with everybody on the second floor. smokin' jokin' at the party ever wanting more" is pure edie. on that song it's clear that the girl who sang with the new bo's about not being aware of too many things is still there. only she's added some years. other standout tracks include rush around, volcano, songs we used to sing, more than friends, the one who went away, came a long way, and not saying goodbye. not saying goodbye is one of the other all out rockers. the song's melody sounds like that of i should've known by amiee mann. but edie again takes these turns and twists. where you think the song is going to go isn't where it ends up gonig. the cd and the production has this whole laid back atmosphere of a group of friends hanging out and having fun. this cd is the absolute best of the year.

This is a beautiful record. The sound engineering is just awesome.
The guitar work by Charlie Sexton is what carries the best tracks forward in a sweet, slow, no-hurry pace - like honey sliding off a stack of pancakes. Track 1, Rush Around, may fool you into thinking you picked a country record, but Edie shows her varied style and range as you proceed through tracks 3,4,5 and beyond. Favourite tracks are 4,5,7, and 12. Listen to these awesome songs and the guitar work and underlying baseline will blow you away.

Although here in Brussels, we had to wait a while to be able to get the cd, it was worth the wait. What I love about this cd is that the songs seem to be very simple at the beginning, when in fact they are anything but. Each song has been carefully written, composed in a way that you discover new things each time you listen to it. Try and listen beyond the main melody in 'volcano' for example. The music on this album hasn't been forced. It feels like a very soothing, relaxed, confident music session. Edie Brickell has taken her time to make it, and that can be heard. Albums like this are very though. The more you play these special albums, the more ordinary they seem. The key is not to play the albums too much, even if that's all you want. That way, the beauty of the songs gets fully preserved!

Volcano is the best CD I've heard in years and I truly
believe it is worthy of a grammy nomination. This CD has
unity and balance and plays out like a perfectly written
and occasionally haunting book in 13 chapters. The musicianship is top-notch and you get the feeling these players spent a lot of time mastering these well crafted songs. Edie sounds better than ever and she really has found the freedom of expression and joyfullness that is ALL Edie. You can tell any previous inhibitions in the studio are gone and she's having a great time.
If you're an Edie fan you'll LOVE this CD!