Customer Reviews

songs of love and empire

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

On Songs of Love and Empire, former Mary's Danish vocalist Julie Ritter puts to shame 90 percent of the major label releases with the best album you haven't heard this year. Ritter's first solo album of songs (she did release a spoken-word recording of her poetry a few years ago) is confident, mature, diverse, and, oh, so enticing.

Ritter returns to the hard-hitting alterna-pop of her Mary's Danish days on the opening track, "Bed," as well as on "Aeroplane," a song that with a major-label push would be on your favorite radio station constantly.

Songs ... goes well beyond her Mary's work, though. "Cry Baby Cry" and, in particular, "Play My Favorite Song," feature slow, grinding blues vocals sultry enough to heat up a monk.

Arguably the album's finest track is the piano-based story, "Jesus of New York." Ritter shows off her narrative skills, as well as her lovely, lilting vocals, on the seductive tale of a one-night stand.

As a whole, 1999 was a fairly dismal year for music, with adult listeners being bombarded with teenage bubble-gum pop and the same one-note testosterone rock. However, Songs of Love and Empire offers a more than worthwhile alternative to the monotony of this year in music.

Steve Baltin Sr. Editor CDNOW

For fans of Mary's Danish, this album is what we've been waiting for! Julie moves from rockers to ballads with an amazing amount of emotion and grace. It just doesn't get better than this!

Took a couple of listens, but now I'm hooked!

Not worth the money? I beg to differ...this woman has the voice of the next generation...outstanding

I just don't get it. I want my money back

.... This is a GREAT album, very seriously recommended. ...this wonderful CD will soothe and calm. To those who are looking for something new and VERY class-- CHECK THIS OUT. The songs on this CD are just wonderful, achingly beautiful, full of perfect little moments which just might put this release into your personal top-five listing.

On Songs of Love and Empire, former Mary's Danish vocalist Julie Ritter puts to shame 90 percent of the major label releases with the best album you haven't heard this year. Ritter's first solo album of songs (she did release a spoken-word recording of her poetry a few years ago) is confident, mature, diverse, and, oh, so enticing.

Ritter returns to the hard-hitting alterna-pop of her Mary's Danish days on the opening track, "Bed," as well as on "Aeroplane," a song that with a major-label push would be on your favorite radio station constantly.

Songs ... goes well beyond her Mary's work, though. "Cry Baby Cry" and, in particular, "Play My Favorite Song," feature slow, grinding blues vocals sultry enough to heat up a monk.

Arguably the album's finest track is the piano-based story, "Jesus of New York." Ritter shows off her narrative skills, as well as her lovely, lilting vocals, on the seductive tale of a one-night stand.

As a whole, 1999 was a fairly dismal year for music, with adult listeners being bombarded with teenage bubble-gum pop and the same one-note testosterone rock. However, Songs of Love and Empire offers a more than worthwhile alternative to the monotony of this year in music.

Steve Baltin Sr. Editor CDNOW

Just buy it! You are seriously missing out! I am so happy that this album finally saw the light of day. I can say it was well worth the wait! Do it for yourself!

We waited a long time for this release and it was well worth the wait. Anyone who liked Mary's Danish and loves Julie...Will love this album. It's different than anything that band has done but it is a great entry in my music library. I hope that Julie makes many more! A+++++++++++

If you loved Mary's Danish, like I did, you will love this CD! This takes off where the Danish left off. One of the best CD's our there today.