Search - Edie Brickell :: Volcano

Understated Beauty

Mark D. Prouse | Riverdale (Bronx), NY | 07/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Every now and then, I read reviews of CD's that have been out for a while, and decide that I need to make a comment. Some folks seem to think that when an artist changes their creative direction and even their basic style and/or subject matter (for whatever reason; marriage to another prominent musician, children, etc.), they have "sold out" for commercial success, or even worse, that they have betrayed their fan base. When Joni Mitchell came out with her heavily synthesized, and extremely political DOG EAT DOG, one could practically hear the collective screams of her longtime fans around the world. The critics were merciless (PLEASE, Joni, go back to writing love songs)! Although, in retrospect, DOG EAT DOG is not one of Joni's most enduring works, it paved the way for a new artistic direction, and some of her late period masterpieces like NIGHT RIDE HOME and TURBULENT INDIGO combined social and political commentary with the more intimate, confessional qualities she had been known for. VOLCANO has not been pulverized by the critics in the way that DOG EAT DOG was, but there has been lots of dismay expressed by those who wanted Edie Brickell to remain as she was, a cool bohemian with a major streak of eccentricity, qualities she seems to have traded in for domestic bliss (a sort of reversal of what happened with Mitchell). One reviewer here feels no passion in Brickell's new music. Here's were I beg to differ; this music takes small, everyday subject matter and converts it to poetry. The singing and the musicianship are at once tight and relaxed. This is a very neat record that contains little hidden moments of reflection and revelation to be discovered upon repeated listening. I really liked PICTURE PERFECT morning (and seem to part with majority opinion on that one), but this later CD is more immediate and raw, and at the same time, more polished and sophisticated. I can't wait to hear the results of her upcoming reunion the New Bohemians, and I have little doubt that what she has learned as a solo performer will only enhance her new group work."

Sweet, sweet album

Jill | 10/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD all-around. It's easy listening but it has that Brickell edge to it. Sure, it's loads different from Shooting Rubber Bands at the Stars, but Edie still refuses to conform to other popular musicians' standards and that's what works for this CD. A few of the tracks like The Messenger and Take a Walk sound like she is talking to her child. It's very enchanting and sweet. Much more warm and inviting than some of her earlier stuff, which was fun, but this is much deeper."

Melodic and original

Jill | 10/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my 1st album of hers and she impressed me. Extremely melodic and original. Remember when you felt like you've listened to the same songs over and over again? You won't find it in this album. Each song is carefully written and unique without leaving its alternative genre. She may surprise you in some occasion with original sounds. "Oo La La" is an example, you'll hear some Paul Simon influence in this song too. No complicated guitar playing, just some light drum beat. "Once In a Blue Moon" and "Volcano" are two very emotionally melodic songs. In "Volcano" song she started with some blues tunes, but it was then balanced with some sweet pleasant sound. For a not-so-big fan of blues like me, this is a clever finish touch. "What Would You Do" is a very quiet song, just her vocal and a guitar playing. (...) Perfect for some rainy days and driving out in the country side."