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50 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Plumb is a peach!, May 24, 2003
I live near & work in Ann Arbor, the bastion of liberalism and the who-are-you-looking-at attitude in Michigan. My best friend lives in Grand Rapids, home of Zondervan, the Dutch Reformed church, and tasteful women's pantsuits . For some reason, they put the wimpy Christian radio stations on *my* side of the state---the ones that just play Barney song sound-alikes ("I love Him, He loves me") or what singer songwriter Bob Franke calls "Jesus is my girlfriend" songs (write pop song, add Jesus & stir); while the reactionary "west coast" of the penninsula has stations that play Christian rock that hits hard.... either in volume, style or in the pointed nature of their lyrics.So when I visit my friend, I look forward to hearing those stations until they fade out on the way home. This last time, I got to hear not only an interview by the driving force of Plumb, Ms. Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, but the entire content of this CD! It hits hard in all the right ways. I immediately purchased it when I got home & it's been on my changer ever since. This is not a recording that jumps out at you as "Christian Music." I don't think it just preaches to the choir, as most stuff in that genre does. Plumb talks about life...the sort of matter that believers and non-believers alike can relate to. It does not shy away from sin, selfishness, eating disorders, the sturm & drang of parent/adolescent relations (I have yet to listen to "Boys Don't Cry" without having to wipe my own tears),and abuse. But with a background of the first awakenings of new and blossoming love, and a young woman finding her own independence,it paints altering hues, not just darkness. Arbuckle-Lee's voice, and the music, is (no pun intended)divine. She cites Suzanne Vega, Patty Griffin, and Leigh Nash as influences; with her own stamp, she's incorporated some of each in a voice that can be vulnerable, strong, and always siren-like. Plumb doesn't use "Christian-ese". Jesus is all over this CD in that the lyrics show a mature knowledge of his teachings, even though his name is never mentioned in the songs. And to some, due in part to our own clumsiness in communicating it in other times, the message may come across better that way.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Plumb scores again!!!!!!, September 30, 2004
After years of waiting, finally, tiffany has released another album. I've been looking forward seeing Plumb in action since her candycoatedwaterdrops (is one of my favorites). Plumb is actually known here in the Philippines. Songs such as stranded, here with me, world's collide, lie low, were big hits. Beautiful lumps of coal, says plumb, is an autobiography of some sort. Every song has its own share of tiffany's life. Would you believe that the song "taken" was actually written for the ex of her husband? Yes everyone! she already has a husband who might have all the more inspired her to craft beautiful songs. Why in the world would someone make a song for your present lover's ex? Don't ask me. I guess, the song was made as a gratitude for making her husband the way he is now. She actually visited the Philippines last August of 2003 to promote this album. I was too eager to watch her live, but since the concert was in Manila (I'm from Davao), I have nothing to do but to feel envious. Heck! I got hold of her album. Check out these tracks:"sink and swim", "later", "nice, naive, and beautiful", love 'em! If you want candycoatedwaterdrops, you'd love this one too.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A worthy successor to "candycoatedwaterdrops", March 31, 2003
Plumb's sophomore album, "candycoatedwaterdrops", wowed fans with its rare, perfect blend of radio-friendly and hard-rocking female-fronted rock. The guitars complemented Tiffany Arbuckle's exquisite vocals perfectly, hip and catchy but never growing passe. It was a hard act to follow, but "Beautiful Lumps of Coal" is an absolute success.
Plumb's voice is incredible, as expressive and melodious as ever. She is beautifully tender at times, soaring effortlessly, yet able to belt out strong and clear rockers too. As she said on her website, "It's rock. It's roll. All the way."Production is top-notch, with Plumb producing or co-producing 5 of the tracks herself. Jay Joyce does most of the rest, and they're all awesome. Each song has a unique sound, with clever use of guitar sounds, drums, and programming. Whether it's a ballad with strings or a fast-paced love song with a back-beat, the music is a rich acoustic feast for the ears. As always, lyrics are intelligent, poignant and penetrating. The songs are fun to sing along with, but have a depth that makes for entertaining and thought-provoking listening. Bottom line: a great album, packed with excellent songs. Fans new and old should love it.
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by Plumb 
