It might sound like a backhanded compliment to say Hem makes lite-rock with a country twist. But before you conjure up images of Phil Collins with a cowboy hat, let's clarify by saying the New York band essentially picks u... more »p where the Cowboy Junkies left off--crafting intimate southern songs that unfold with quiet dignity over a bed of strings, pedal-steel guitars and restrained piano flourishes. That's more like it. Besides, in Sally Ellyson, the group has a singer whose clear, sweet voice can't help but make even the most overcast song sound oddly beautiful. If only "I'll Dream Of You Tonight" and "Too Late To Turn Back Now" could be the soundtrack to every waiting room people would actually look forward to that next root canal. --Aidin Vaziri« less
It might sound like a backhanded compliment to say Hem makes lite-rock with a country twist. But before you conjure up images of Phil Collins with a cowboy hat, let's clarify by saying the New York band essentially picks up where the Cowboy Junkies left off--crafting intimate southern songs that unfold with quiet dignity over a bed of strings, pedal-steel guitars and restrained piano flourishes. That's more like it. Besides, in Sally Ellyson, the group has a singer whose clear, sweet voice can't help but make even the most overcast song sound oddly beautiful. If only "I'll Dream Of You Tonight" and "Too Late To Turn Back Now" could be the soundtrack to every waiting room people would actually look forward to that next root canal. --Aidin Vaziri
Maybe Hem's best yet -- and that's saying something
Christopher Condon | Shelton, CT USA | 09/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hem's last full album of new songs, Eveningland, was hauntingly beautful but suffered from overproduction. It was if all the engery was bottled up and they didn't want to let it out.
Not so here. Funnel Cloud sparkles with both beauty and energy. Even the slower songs like the title track tremble with an energy evocotive of their live performances. Meanwhile, the beautiful melodies keep on coming -- He Came to Meet Me and Reservior may be two of their best songs, ever."
A quietly beautiful, intelligent pop/country album
John Matlock | St. Louis, MO USA | 09/08/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you've heard any of their previous releases, you know that Hem doesn't make loud, brash music. This release continues their previous albums' quietly elegant tone. They wisely cut back on the string sections this time around. The songwriters put a lot of thought into each of the songs and Sally Ellyson is the perfect voice for them."
Sweet Ear Candy
Joseph A. Sciascia | S.F. | 09/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've never heard this band before until today. I read some recommendations from some reviews. All I can say is that I "LOVE" it!
The whole album is Sophisticated, Contemporary and very smart. I have not even finished the cd yet, and my favorite track is the silky vocals on "He Came To Meet Me". Even though this is a new album for me, I'm putting it at the top with my other favorites of "folk/singer songwriter/Indie Rock"...like Joni Mitchell, Kate Wolf, Gillian Welch and Shawn Colvin.
"
Gorgeous Music
Laura Nicholson | Southern Indiana | 10/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard about Hem on NPR, and bought Funnel Cloud soon after. I'd never heard them before. I love this CD and am happy to find a new group to listen to. "The Pills Stopped Working" is my favorite song. The other songs are soft, mellow, beautifully written. The music is rich and complex. I look forward to hearing more of Hem."