Search - Alela Diane :: Pirate's Gospel

Stellar New Talent.

William J. Walker | England | 12/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alela Diane Menig, whose father Tom produces and also appears on this album, hails from Nevada City, and only started to write and play in 2003. `The Pirate's Gospel' was originally recorded in her father's home studio and self released in 2004. Apparently she came to the attention fellow Nevada City native Joanna Newsom, who arranged her first live show. The album got a bit of a polish and an `official' release in 2006.



I've seen this artist compared to Gillian Welch, Jolie Holland, and Josephine Foster. I am most strongly reminded of The Be Good Tanyas and would add them to the list. Which isn't to say she sounds, that much, like any of the former, but that like those other performers, she seems to have reached far into the past for her musical inspiration, before giving it a twist of her own. In the process she has created a sound that, while rooted firmly in earlier times, is fresh, vibrant and ultimately timeless.



I guess this is a folk album(that's how most reviewers have categorised it)but all the songs are self-penned, and musically, it has a blend of styles that would place it outside of any specific folk tradition. As well as folk I hear a touch of blues, gospel and with all the piratical references, there is a nautical flavour too. Forget all that though, because the thing that makes this album so good is the quality of the songs.



The album opens strongly with `Tired Feet' a deceptively simple tune that you may find lodged in your head for days, thereafter the record never flags, sure some of the songs are stronger than others(the title track, `Clickity Clack' and `Oh My Mama' are just three of my favourites)but all the songs hang together to create a perfectly gorgeous album. Considering this was essentially a `home recording' you would never know it, as all the performances are of the highest standard. I realise I haven't mentioned her richly soulful voice, which matches the quality of the material beautifully.



Incidentally there are three(!)different versions of this CD around at the moment.The American release with the(pirate?)ship on the cover which, perhaps, has the nicest packaging(gatefold cardboard sleeve and better photo on the insert)but only has 11 tracks. The UK edition(rather unflattering portrait of Alela on the cover)has the original 11 track album and 2 bonus tracks `Heavy Walls' and `Gypsy Eyes' which are well worth having(strangely though they are not listed on the Amazon product page or anywhere on the CD case). Finally there is an Australian import available(in both ship and portrait!)which also has 2 bonus tracks (but `Pink Roses' Substitutes for `Gypsy Eyes')the same gatefold sleeve as the American release(but with a slightly different insert)and features an `enhanced' section containing a video for `Pieces Of String'. How do I know? Yes I did buy all three(starting with the US version)so I could get all the tracks. Trust me she is THAT good.



There seems to be a lot of solo-female artists around at the moment but don't let this one get lost in the crowd. Alela Diane is a fabulous talent. Don't miss out.

"

Another Hidden Gem

Bebeto | Laguna Hills, CA USA | 02/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I won't elaborate more on the previous review since it is spot on. This is simply another hidden gem for those who are not constrained by genre and packaged commercial nonsense that we see at coffee shops and hear on most radio stations. You won't hear this one on any radio station in SoCal which is par for the course. It was sent to me from Holland as a gift and it is all that. Is it a Folk album? Maybe, but it's got that Yo Ho Yo Ho Pirate's Gospel Song on it. Outstanding. I like everything about this album, I hope she keeps writing and I can see her perform someday. This CD is simply a pleasure to listen to. Cheers"