Search - Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories :: Tails

PEOPLE HAVE THE WRONG IDEA

Saki | ROCHESTER, NY | 08/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I didn't know that I was going to like this CD when I bought it, but through some convergence of good luck I bought it anyway. Like many people I had developed the incorrect opinion that Lisa Loeb was nothing more than fluffy pop and could be clumped together more with N'SYNC and The Backstreet Boys than with singer/songwriters like Aimee Mann or Liz Phair. I was wrong, and I whole-heartedly admit that now. Lisa Loeb is an alt-rock magician of the highest order. Yes, her songs are infectious and loveable, but they're also tricky and strange. In one song you'll find a hard electric guitar riff (like "Alone") and in another you'll find a soft acoustic guitar (like "Sandalwood"). Some of the tracks on this disc are wild rock songs ("Snow Day," "Taffy," and, most noteably, "Garden of Delights"). Others are dreamy, slow, artful constructions ("Hurricane" or "Lisa Listen"). Of course her lyrics are brilliant also (for instance "I may not be a quaalude living in a speed zone, but I can be restful" from "When All the Stars Were Falling"). It's just a good CD, a really, really good CD, and it will surprise a lot of people if those people will just give it a shot. Rent a copy from the local library, borrow one from a friend, get a few of the songs online, just do something. I don't care what. By the time you've actually heard everything that Lisa Loeb had going on here on her "Tails" disc you'll just end up buying it like any other sane person."

Put a tail on Lisa.

JR | the Netherlands | 09/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lisa Loeb's debut is one of my favorite records of all time. Behind this pair of glasses hides a true songwriting and singing talent. On her later cd's, Loeb is better vocally, but on Tails, there is a more pleasant atmosphere. There is no single filler track on this album, as each is instantly catchy.(1) IT'S OVER - "Sorry sir I stole your money" - It was a bit of a grower, but it has become my favorite. A timid tension takes it to a higher level. 10/10
(2) SNOW DAY - Another favorite. Hopeful lyrics, and very catchy. 10/10
(3) TAFFY - Lisa rocks out, on, again, a favorite. I really like the bridge in this song. 10/10
(4) WHEN ALL THE STARTS WERE FALLING - Again a very strong song, with the fantastic "And I fell down, down" part. Lyrics such as "I've learned how to dance from a Vincent van Gogh" make listening this one very enjoyable. 8/10
(5) DO YOU SLEEP? - The music gets gloomier. Again a very catchy song, in spite of its darkness. 9/10
(6) HURRICANE - Probably the darkest song on the album, with -maybe- the best lyrics. The instrumental ending leaves you longing for more. 9/10
(7) ROSE-COLORED TIMES - Another favorite, apparently happy, but crafted with melancholy. 10/10
(8) SANDALWOOD - A very sweet song with a very sweet name. From the beginning to the brilliant ending "I wanted to show you." 8/10
(9) ALONE - An upbeat song with a quirky melody. I think this is the least good song on Tails, but others idolize it, so decide for your own. 7/10
(10) WAITING FOR WEDNESDAY - A very happy song, with a not so happy subject (a pregnant woman). Another favorite, although the song gets a little dull towards the end. 10/10
(11) LISA LISTEN - This slow song with an antimetrical chorus brings in variation. 8/10
(12) GARDEN OF DELIGHTS - This short song is very cool. Try to hear Lisa counting down. 9/10
(13) STAY - This is Lisa's most famous song and is indeed very beautiful. 10/10I think you should buy Tails even if you have just a little interest in this wonderful artist."

Tails

J. M. Zuurbier | Canada | 04/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lisa Loeb's first major album with her band Nine Stories, titled TAILS, is an excellent album on so many levels. It's one of those CD's you can listen to anytime, and it just speaks mountains to you, or it makes you want to sing along with it. Lisa's first single "Stay", which was on the Reality Bites soundtrack, was the first song to go to #1 by an independant artist who had no record label. It's also on TAILS. "Do You Sleep" is another winner. The instruments are used well in this album. Composing and performing songs that combine effervescent pop with the lyricism of a skilled storyteller, Lisa Loeb is one of contemporary music's most sumptuous delights. The CD has not even one filler track. Other highlights include "It's Over", "Snow Day", "Rose Colored Times", "Waiting For Wednesday", "Alone" and the ever poignant "Hurricane". Check this out for something new!"