Search - Beth Orton :: Central Reservation

Stunning followup; worthy of full price purchase

danomonticelli | Albuquerque, NM United States | 01/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing. The first time I heard this album, it was like a cliche you might see in a movie. An incredibly long, lonely drive down a deserted two lane highway from Albuquerque, NM to Durango, CO. Moonless night, clear sky, hundreds of miles from any major light source, I was listening to this album, looking at the night sky. This album sunk its teeth in, a haunting, bittersweet group of songs perfect for reflection, comptemplation. This album succeedes on so many different levels to become, in this humble reviewer's opinion, an instant, timeless classic.
Listen to the emotional/thematic changes between 'Stolen Car' and 'Sweetest Decline'. The stunning, shimmering, phenomenal 'Pass in Time'. The duo between her and Terry Callier has made it into the ist of my favorite songs - people hear this one and ask me 'Who IS this? WHAT album is this?' Any album that elicits such an emotional, immediate response from so many different people MUST be doing something right.
Buy this album, you will NOT be disappointed."

Another savior in these dark ages of music

Charles R Gigante | 04/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"central reservation is another album that lifted my often cynical spirits and proved once again the validity of a true singer-songwriter. beth orton has crafted an album virtually free of any pretense and ego, but full of sincerity and beauty. Her voice says it all. There is not a corrupted note on this album. Structurally, the songs seem a bit sparse at first, but with each additional listen, the feelings and intent behind the lyrics and melodies shine through. Stolen Car, the opening track, is the most 'together' in terms of pop-song structure. A great song, and single, "Stolen Car" exemplifies beths ability to write a radio friendly song, while still maintaining a credibility often lost in this sort of song structure. All tracks on this record are beautifully recorded and mixed, particularly "The Sweetest Decline". This track gets me every time. Quite possibly the most amazing song in the last couple years, it features Dr. John on piano adding just the right touch to the simple chord progression. Every track, with the exception of two Ben Watt collaborations, are acoustic guitar based folk songs with a touch of pop, a sprinkle of rock, and a heaping mound of genius. For anyone who likes Cat Power, Ben Harper, Everything But The Girl, etc."

A beth fan for life

uklovecag@hotmail.com | Washington, DC | 07/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a Beth Orton fan since I first carried Trailer Park home in my eager little hands and listened to it during a thunderstorm in July of 1997. Alright, so I'm a tad bit biased. However, I cannot restrain myself from proclaiming that Central Reservation is an incredible record. The others are right when they say that it grows on you - most of the songs are not "catchy" the way a lot of radio music is nowadays. The thing I admire most about Beth's music is the absolute honesty of her lyrics, which at times comes across as bittersweet, but is actually incredibly optimistic and proactive! There's nothing flowery about it, but its simplicity is breathtakingly beautiful, particularly on songs like "Stars All Seem to Weep" and "Blood Red River". Also, if you ever get a chance to see her in concert, do it! I saw her a few weeks ago at a small club in DC, and the guy next to me had never heard of her before - after the show I asked him what he thought and he said he was going to go straight out and buy both of her albums. She's a natural performer, and quite funny on stage - a welcome contrast to the serious quality of some of her songs! Anything by Beth is worth a listen ... or two ... or three ..."