Different Stripe

Cheryl Wheeler

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 28, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philo / Umgd
• ASIN: B00007LV7C
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,229 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Different Stripe, a welcome best-of collection from Wheeler, offers 19 tracks that span the entirety of her 16-year recording career, including two songs from her 1986 eponymous debut released on the small folk label North Star Records. Wheeler is considered by many to be one of the finest songwriters of the "New Folk" era that developed in the 1980s, and, listening to Different Stripe, it's easy to hear why. She writes haunting and beautiful ballads that, when matched to her smoky, smooth vocals, are deeply affecting. Fans should note that there are two new tracks, "Walk Around Downtown" and "Gandhi/Buddha," among the "hits" here, which include "Addicted," a No. 1 country hit for Dan Seals, and "Aces," a country Top 10 for Suzy Bogguss. --Jim Caligiuri

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A precious gift from an extraordinary singer songwriter., January 28, 2003

By	High Note Tenor (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews

I have been listening to Cheryl Wheeler's music for more than 31 years and since day one have considered her one of the best singer songwriters I've ever heard. Cheryl has an extraordinary gift for telling stories that speak to your heart and your funny bone. Whether it's love, longing, love lost, fall in New England, electical power outages, prozac or potatoes, Cheryl has a warm and inviting way of telling stories about the feelings that we all share and a uniquely funny outlook on life. She is a wonderful singer and a down-to-earth and hysterically funny performer. You just haven't lived until you've seen her perform live. Hey, even Bette Midler saw Cheryl perform live at the Bottom Line in NYC and admitted to being a big fan of hers and recorded Cheryl's "I Know This Town" on her Bette of Roses CD. This is an excellent collection of some of Cheryl's best. From the wistful and introspective "Northern Girl" to the numerous songs that offer a look at love and relationships that everyone can relate to, this is a clear demonstration of her gift as a songwriter. Her use of words, phrases and stories to express feelings that touch your heart is one of the best you'll find. "Arrow" is an extraordinary song about the realities of that thing so many people call "love" and is just simply one of the best ballads ever written. "75 Septembers" is a moving and poetic homage to her father told with great reverence for how people feel about the passing of time, change and the longing for simpler times and what was once cherished and meaningful. "Addicted", "Aces", "Quarter Moon", there is not a throw away on this CD! There are some artists that all you want is their "best of" collection. This is one time that you want to have the "best of", but you also want to have every one of her CD's. This could have easily been a double CD in my opinion. There are many great songs missing, such as, "Behind the Barn", "In Your Heart", "Piper", "Summer Fly", "Driving Home", "Howl at the Moon", "Further & Further Away" etc. Cheryl's music, humor and humanity are precious gifts for which I am grateful. The next "best of" should be a collection of her humorous songs and her witty commentaries on guns and other social issues. Now I'm ready for her next 6 CDs and the next collection of hits. Thank you Cheryl.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Your New Favorite Singer/Songwriter, April 14, 2003

By	"pamb32" (Arlington, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Cheryl Wheeler's music seems to be passed along from friend to friend, from year to year. Even non-folk friends always want to hear Cheryl. This collection of her "best" couldn't contain all the worthy songs, but it's a good start and a wonderful way to meet her music. (Only a live performance would be better; never, ever to be missed!) Songs like "Aces" (realities of life), "75 Septembers" (loving attempt to understand the passing of time), and "Arrow" (well... it's just great) alone should be enough to encourage new listeners to want her all-too-few other CDs, especially "Driving Home" and "Circles & Arrows." The two new tracks are a tease to those of waiting for a new CD. And don't forget about making that CD with all the best of her quirky, hysterical, so-insightful songs! Do yourself a favor and add this singer/songwriter to your music collection and live music plans.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "compelling reflection performances is the very best of", January 28, 2003

By	J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Rounder Records presents "Different Stripe", the best of Cheryl Wheeler a inclusive 19 track collection spanning her musical career. Many highlights from singer/songwriter shine through...with her awesome storytelling and sentimental on occasion style of interpretation. Wheeler may be one of the best, if not the best around today.

This album is one of her most compelling. Reflective lyrics and wonderful melodies from "75 SEPTEMBERS", the early '90s cue takes your breath away, like reading a book of poetry. In my opinion, her voice and the folk-style mixed with meaningful lyrics sets her apart from other artists. This is the magic of her charm. Take for instance "FURTHER AND FURTHER", the melody keeps going through my head during the day, it fits every mood. I found "GANDHI/BUDDHA", clever and captivating with a good message and a sense of reflection. Cheryl blends a haunting melody with a chorus that will make you want to join in on. Need to mention "ACES", "ADDICTED", "ARROW" and "SYLVIA HOTEL"...each tune is so familiar, you feel you've lived each lyric. Cheryl's power putting over a song is so amazing.

Hats off to Rounder Records and all who had a part in producing this album. Cheryl is a wonderful writer and I believe that her words have an impact on her many fans. There is something for everyone, if you're not a fan after listening to this CD...then you've missed out on something special.

Total Time: 73:58 on 19 Tracks ~ Rounder/Philo Records 116711-217-2 ~ (1/28/2003)