Not the Tremblin' Kind

Laura Cantrell

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 24, 2000)
• Original Release Date: September 15, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Diesel Only
• ASIN: B00004XSYT
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #162,257 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Laura Cantrell's voice has been compared to Kitty Wells and her songwriting has been compared to Dolly Parton. While those influences--plus George Jones and Emmylou Harris--come across on her full-length debut, Cantrell sounds more like the urbane Nashville-raised, Brooklyn-living modern country traditionalist that she is. A devout fan and a knowledgeable one at that--she's the long-time host of legendary N.Y.C.-area radio station WFMU's Saturday-afternoon Radio Thrift Shop and has written liner notes for Tammy Wynette albums--Cantrell brings her experience and connections with her into the studio, rounding up a host of ace New York indie musicians. Cantrell's voice is a tender instrument, all the more touching for the moments, as on the title song, where it strains to insist that no, its owner will not break. --Randy Silver

Product Description

Originally Hailing from Nashville, Laura Has Been Based in New York Since Since 1985, Belting Out her Beautiful Country Music at Local Clubs and Bars. Her First Trip to the UK Saw her Win Rave Reviews There as Well. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely new voice and a great CD, June 29, 2001

By	E. M. Carey "LGW" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I discovered Laura Cantrell in a cab of all places - the local progressive station the driver had on played 'Churches on the Interstate' and I could not get the song out of my head. Unfortunately, I hadn't quite caught her name, but some creative searching on Amazon led me right to her. It has been a long time since I've found a singer or CD as engrossing and exciting as Laura Cantrell, and I certainly hope she finds the wide audience she deserves.

On my first listen to Not the Tremblin' Kind I loved Laura's voice and enjoyed the songs, but I didn't fully appreciate the strengths of the CD until I'd listened to it several times over. Songs that at first sounded similar actually differ significantly in their tone, melody, lyrics and style. From the opening cover of Not the Tremblin' Kind - which she makes totally her own - through a variety of covers and originals, with highlights such as Do You Ever Think of Me and my favorite, Churches on the Interstate, Laura exhibits a wide range of style in a relatively narrow niche. Part country, part folk, part 'singer-songwriter' this is a terrific album and Laura a unique talent.

It's easy to compare her to a lot of different singers - Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffith, a pinch of Emmylou and so on - but what I like about Laura - and all these women - is that despite whatever characteristics they share, they each have a unique style. For anyone interested in quality music in which lyrics, melody, 'background' music and instruments, presentation and tone are all equally important, this is the CD for you. It's been a long time since I've found a new 'discovery' as exciting and worthwhile as Laura Cantrell - she's not to be missed.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Deserves a wider audience, May 21, 2001

By	Matt Richey (Oro Valley, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

I bought this after listening to her on NPR's Fresh Air. I was impressed with her intelligence and literate take on country music. As well, the snippets of "The Whiskey Makes You Sweeter" and "Queen of the Coast" were quite impressive. Certainly, the album lived up to its preview. As hoped, this is a literate, well-made album of songs that are simultaneously refreshing and age-old. There are both tastefully obscure covers (the aforementioned "Whisky ..." written by Amy Allison, Mose Allison's daughter) and originals. Cantrell's voice is wonderful--fragile and strong at the same time (especially in the title track). The backing band is top flight and the arrangements perfectly suited for the songs. All in all, this is an extremely satisfying album showing off a obscure but talented singer/songwriter.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prettiest Voice, Savvy Understated Backing Band, April 22, 2001

By	Tomato Pie "tomatopie" (Yardley, PA USA) - See all my reviews

I've been listening closely to all types of music for 40 years, and at this point there are very few new voices that I find worthy or remarkable. Laura Cantrell is one of those rare performers that I listen to every day. On first listen, the arrangements seem simple and the vocals pleasant but almost flat. On closer examination, you'll hear the restraint, the nuance, and the sheer musicality of this material. Her voice is clear, bright, expressive, and honest. The tunes are first cut, especially the fun pop "Do You Ever Think of Me?" (sounds like the 1965 George Harrison on guitar), the aching beauty of "Two Seconds" and a tune she penned, "Queen of the Coast." Like other reviewers, I love Kitty Wells and Lucinda WIlliams; right now, Laura beats them both. MY eight year old daughter likes Britney Spears and Back Street Boys (both harmless treacle) but I play this in the car and she listens, sings along, and loves it. Intelligent country music.