Eveningland

Hem

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 5, 2004)
• Original Release Date: October 5, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B0002W4T6M
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,083 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

As the eight-piece Brooklyn collective Hem releases their second full-length album, Eveningland, their reputation precedes them as one of the most distinctive and emotionally rewarding bands in American music. Hem’s homespun blend of vintage Americana, country/folk and chamber music made its 2002 independently released debut Rabbit Songs a critical success, inviting musical and lyrical comparisons to everyone from Dusty Springfield to Randy Newman to Aaron Copland. On Eveningland, recorded during their brief tenure with the ill-fated Dreamworks label, the band shows how deeply they’ve matured as musicians and songwriters. Eveningland, produced by Messé and guitarist Gary Maurer, updates the rustic charm of Rabbit Songs as references to bygone folk tunes give way to sonic touchstones from another classic era. "These songs have more of a relationship to the ‘60s and early ‘70s. We’re all in love with that Countrypolitan sound," Messé says reverently referring to! classics like Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music, and albums by Glen Campbell and even the Carpenters. Produced by Gary Maurer and Dan Messe.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, lovely, lovely., April 7, 2005

By	John Truslow (Atlanta, Georgia, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Played in the background, Hem's music generates an afirming but soulful mood, but to be fully appreciated, it is music that must be listened to closely. When you focus on these peaceful, soothing tracks, it's like studying a painting, or reading a book. Each of us will get something different out of the effort, but its quality remains undeniable and its spirit presents itself as timeless. Yes, there is a classic, folksy, southern charm to these tunes, but the music is still appealing to everyone. Buy this album.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the first one must have been REALLY good..., December 8, 2004

By	John Anderson (Bar Harbor, ME USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

...if folks are at all disappointed by the second. Unlike some of the earlier reviewers I actually bought the CD after hearing their version of "Jackson" on the radio & then found a whole bunch of additionl stuff that I liked. This is one of those CDs that has lived in the changer since it got here, my 12 year old daughter has already memorized big chiunks of songs to sing along, and I am definitely looking for more of their stuff in future. What can one say? Great lead vocals, nice arrangements, good lyrics, go get it.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hem takes it even higher..., October 11, 2004

By	Carla Davison "minoa" (Falls Church, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I must admit, my first reaction to Eveningland was quite similar to the reviewer below - what I heard at first was, most certainly, not the Hem that I had fallen in love with on Rabbit Songs, and I wondered what had happened to the band I knew so well. What? An orchestra? Drums?? It didn't take too many listens, though, to begin to hear what I'm now convinced is one of the most exciting albums of the year. The songwriting is utterly beautiful and filled with a cautious hope, and Sally's voice is, to my ears, measurably stronger and more exciting than on their debut. I don't hear her "covering" anything up, but hear her exploring new territory with real confidence. And I freely confess, it's not that the arrangements never come off as a little odd, but rather that I've quickly learned how rewarding it is to follow Hem to whatever new places they go on Eveningland, odd or not.

This is a rare kind of record: one that sets a bold and beautiful course, and I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. Hem have something really special here.

And PS: Tracks 9 and 16 are indeed thematically linked, but I see nothing wrong in that (and neither have countless composers who have come before). It's cool, actually, in that it weaves a recognizable thread into the fabric of the album as a whole.