Murmurs

Caroline

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 7, 2006)
• Original Release Date: March 7, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Temporary Residence
• ASIN: B000E6GBW6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #182,561 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Following the critical and fanatical praise of last year's otherworldly "Where's My Love" single, Tokyo's Caroline releases her enchanting debut. "Murmurs" is a thing of blessed beauty that defies easy description, and it's nearly impossible to attach words to the supernatural brilliance of Caroline's songs. No samples were used. Dozens of live acoustic instruments (pianos, harps, bells, guitars, strings, and hand drums) are shaped around Caroline's crystalline voice and threaded together by warm bass and dense beats. With a transcendence that could give you chills on a blistering summer day just as easily as it could warm your body on a bitterly cold night, it's no wonder Caroline has developed a reputation as queen of the "snow jams."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most pleasant surprise of the year, January 14, 2007

By	Robert T. L. Chang "Lunatique" (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been a long-time fan of Caroline's sister, Olivia, and when I found out about Olivia's little sister, I just had to check her music out. Needless to say, I was delighted and surprised by how much I liked her music. Caroline's vocals tend to have a more innocent and dreamy vibe, as opposed to Olivia's more emotional/passionate outpouring. Both sisters do share a love for trip-hop/IDM, and Caroline's approach to that influence is more low-key and minimalistic. I disagree with another reviewer's comment about how the harder sounding tracks on Caroline's album sounds dated and cheesy--this could only be a comment from someone who might not understand Caroline's influences--she does listen to a lot of IDM artists and that glitchy/arppegiated 16th note synth arrangement is part of that electronic movement. I personally love "Every Little Thing," because it showcases a different vibe and the timbre of her voice is also quite different. The way she projects her subtle coquettish charm as she sings "Every little thing...you do, Every little thing...you say..." just gives me chills. I just couldn't be happier to see another member of the Lufkin family blossoming into a new force in music. I can't wait to see what their Jeff does when he's ready to release some of his own solo material. Whatever work he's done on his sisters' album I already love.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, delicate, enchanting- I want more!, November 23, 2006

By	Nancy E. O'Toole - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There is a lot of talent to be found in the Lufkin family. Sister Olivia is currently writing and singing music for the Nana anime in Japan. Brother Jeff is a musician who occasionally writes arrangements for his sisters' music. Caroline is a singer-songwriter for the Indies label Temporary Residance. Caroline's music differs from most of her sister's music in the fact that it is simplistic and at times, almost minimalist. Her music consists of heavenly, delicate vocals, sweet lyrics, and live acoustic instruments including bells, harps, and hand drums. Although "murmurs" is not a perfect CD, is an impressive debut never the less.

Many of the songs are slow, peaceful mixtures of electronic and real instruments. Stand out tracks are the opener "Bicycle," which opens with a trumpet playing softly and peacefully; first single "Where's my Love," which has a heavenly uplifting feeling; second single "Sunrise," which is filled with warmth; "All I Need," a solid pop song with wonderful lyrics and arrangements; "I'll Leave my Heart Behind," which really resonates with me on an emotional level; and "Winter," which is a lovely album closer. "Drove me to the wall," although it isn't as wonderful as the previously listed tracks, is also a great song. "Pink and Black" and "everylittlething" have a little more oomph to them by adding in a livelier beat. This method works well on "Pink and Black" but proves to be a little out of place on "everylittlething." As much as an enjoy Jeff Lufkin's arrangements, they have a strange dated feeling here that makes the track almost a little cheesy sounding. Still, next to eight simply wonderful tracks, "everylittlething" probably comes out sounding a lot worse than it really is.

In conclusion, "Murmurs" is a wonderful debut album. So wonderful that after listening to it, I decided that I needed all of Caroline's music. Unfortunately, beyond this, she only has two singles and a track on a compilation CD for Temporary Residence. Caroline is truly a talented artist, just starting out. I hope that she continues to put out lovely music. I will be looking foreword to future releases.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!, April 14, 2006

By	Jacob Young "Jacob Young" - See all my reviews

Beautiful voice! Each song is amazing!
I haven't taken it out of my cd player since I bought it a month ago!