Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wit and Wistfulness, March 3, 2000
Because she writes such entertaining humorous lyrics, it's easy to overlook the more serious and introspective side of singer-songwriter Christine Lavin. This recording is a good balance between her comic and poetic sides. Her loopy sense of humor comes through on cuts like the title track (since I first heard it I've never been able to hear the word "sushi" without thinking of Christine), and on "Mysterious Woman." When she's funny, she's very, very funny.When Lavin's not feeling funny, her songs are so wistful, poignant, or heart-warming that they will sway even the most detached listener. "Eighty-Five Degrees" is such a lovely melody, with elegant orchestration, that it almost doesn't matter what Lavin's singing about. The subtle message--that friendship and genuine concern can come from the most unlikely sources--is a perk. Lavin has assembled a talented cast of backup musicians for this recording, including John Gorka, Bill and Janice Kollar (also responsible for the arrangements), and the members of Uncle Bonsai. They and the many other musicians she's recorded with over the years ( a veritable who's who of contemporary folk music) complement but never overshadow the bright star in center stage. Maybe it's a good thing "he" can't read Christine's mind, but I'm sure glad I got a peek into it. You will be, too.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
High-quality performances throughout..., November 25, 2001
Most Lavin collections have two or three songs you just have to hear over and over, and will never forget, and then two or three which just don't quite work, more due to execution than to the idea. This album doesn't have the highest of her highs, or the lowest of her lows. It is very steady, very pleasant, and certainly a "must-have" if you are already a fan, and a great introduction to her work if you are a rookie. Christine mixes humor and seriousness better than almost anyone else out there, and she is one of those rare "women's point of view" performers who attracts and can hold on to male fans. I like all the songs on this one, but her most remarkable pieces are scattered on her other studio discs.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dead-on mix of funny and tragic songs about love, January 29, 1999
By A Customer
The title song is for all of us who have done something we hated because the SO loved it, pretending all the while it was the most fun we'd ever had. "Some say eating sushi/is like chewing on your own cheek/or sucking down a bucketful of tentacled slime/I do not like sushi/but look I'm eating sushi/it's a good thing he can't read my mind."A mere 3 tracks later, "Waltzing With Him" gives a wrenchingly accurate description of a woman using a nice guy as a substitute for the man she loves and cannot have. Track 5, "Mysterious Woman", is at once a dead-on parody of Suzanne Vega and a funny song in its own right. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll kiss 12 bucks goodbye. And you'll probably want more Lavin. Try "Attainable Love" after you're hooked.
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~ Christine Lavin
~ Christine Lavin
~ Christine Lavin
~ Christine Lavin
~ Christine Lavin
by Christine Lavin 
