Graham Greene in a Dance of Exposure and Camouflage
mattinmn | Saint Paul, MN USA | 11/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a previous reviewer, upon first listen, a friend's copy of this CD never left my car CD player for weeks. The grouping of Lori Carson's seductive voice and great beats relentlessly grabbed my attention. I found myself replaying poignant lyrics, reciting them in my head joyously, relishing not only the words, but especially Carson's delivery. Unfortunately, I returned the CD and did not purchase my own copy, allowing the music to blend into the mess of my subconscious.A year later, in great serendipity, while viewing Neil Jordan's production of "The End of the Affair," little snippets of dialogue caught my ear! The Golden Palominos!Much of "To A Stranger" is recitation of beautiful Graham Green dialogue from "The End of the Affair." The Golden Palominos have taken these amazing words delivered by Lori Carson; matched them with equally emotive music to evoke the very essence of the exceptional novels love affair.If you are a fan of Graham Greene or music that simply won't leave your subconscious, check this disc out."
Why I love this cd
christopher hubbard | Ft. Where, IN USA | 08/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard a copy of this album while riding along for some roadtrip somewhere...that voice, that incredibly seductive voice, conveying so many emotions...this cd stayed in the cd player for weeks(much to the dismay of my friend who owned the cd). This album instantly went to my list of personal favorites. I love this disc. Wonderful music, powerful voice, such emotion and feeling...buying it for myself finally...two copies in the same apartment...only Radiohead and Spain have garnered such honors. Serve yourself well...listen to this cd (over, and over and over, etc.)."
Ran the Stoplight?
Justarasta | Coral Gables, FL United States | 10/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listened to this CD closely for the first time in a while. I've forgotten how outstanding this CD is. While I have not heard Pure, I have ordered it hoping it that will be anything close to this CD - and hopefully far away from Dead Inside which is a whole different planet. Great vocals, great music, great lyrics, it has it all."
Sexy, Hypnotic . . . Very Good Although It Gets A Bit Too "S
Rich Latta | Albuquerque, NM - Land of Entitlement | 11/14/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Fans of sophisticated "mood music" and "trip hop" will likely go for this record (which isn't to say one would necessarily employ either of those labels to describe this music). THIS IS HOW IT FEELS grooves along to a quasi-funk/mid temp hip hop vibe. The drums often hit that extra snare beat typical of classic alternative rock (like The Breeders' "Cannonball," which isn't to say this record sounds like The Breeders). Guest vocalist Lori Carson has a sexy high-pitched croon, but just as often she "speak-sings" and employs breathy whispers and sensuous moans (there are a few other vocalists that make contributions, but I'm not sure what they do - Carson takes center stage). The lyrics are very good - they're personal and explicit, dealing in relationships, God and existentialism.
The music itself is top-notch - hypnotic and cleanly recorded, also adding loops and other sonic textures. But if I'm perfectly honest, it can become a bit "same-y" and I don't always want to hear the whole album at once. The songs are clearly repetitive, which is a normal asset for music, especially music that employs dance beats. But after a while the repetition can get ever-so-slightly tiring and the songs start to sound too similar. It also isn't really the sexiest music I've ever heard either. For example, I find Tricky with Martina Topely-Bird singing to be a lot sexier, especially on the phenomenal MAXINEQUAYE (highly recommended). Still, THIS IS HOW IT FEELS is well worth having, and the many well-known musicians (Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrell, Nicky Skopelitis, Bootsy Collins and also Anton Fier, the core member of this revolving-door artists' collective) all make excellent contributions that live up to their reputations. Recommended."