Search - Eddi Reader :: Eddi Reader

Pleasant Detour

Kelly L. Norman | Plymouth, MI United States | 11/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD by mistake. I had heard part of Reader's "Footsteps Fall" from her other CD, "Simple Soul", on the radio program "Thistle & Shamrock." Not knowing the exact title, I assumed this was the recording on which I'd find it. But not finding that song didn't disappoint me too much once I'd heard the entire CD. In fact, a couple of cuts, especially "Right Place" and "Joke", are pop jewels. Most of these songs have a thrust behind them, as if singer, band, and audience are on a journey at sea and the music skims quickly like a yacht in a race; or, at times, like in "Wonderful Lie" it ebbs and swells as if the journey has taken us to deep uncharted waters. Many of the songs are penned by Reader herself, or her partner, Boo Hewerdine. And they do tell of journeys and adventures in human relationships: bonds forged, infidelity, jealousy, attempts to reconcile, and regretful acceptance when one realizes one can't have what one wants.And it is with the voice of a siren that Ms. Reader delivers this delightful itinerary. A Scottish brogue comfortable with country-hewn harmonies, and even a bit of Western swing, as in the song "Exception." Weaknesses here, which are less noticeable in Reader's later recordings, are overproduction in some songs, such as "Wonderful Lie", and a bit of redundancy in the lyrics. An artist needs room to grow. And Reader continues to grow from this lovely stateside debut."

My all time favourite album

karenzpanickd | 02/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I lost the tape and have been searching to remember the name of this artist. But I keep on singing the songs - they've been haunting me for couple of years. Now I've found her again I'm thrilled!"