Search - Nina Nastasia :: Dogs

It's A Dog's Life

Elliot Knapp | Seattle, Washington United States | 06/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At long last, we get Nina's first album re-released! And what a solid debut it is! I was very interested to see how the style Nastasia has evolved through on her 2nd and 3rd albums began, and Dogs rewards with an earlier step in Nina's musical journey. On Dogs, the songs are generally upbeat with Nina singing in the upper register with more of that country twang than she has been known to use as of late (Run to Ruin). Though the music sounds happier at first impression, her lyrical motif of broken dreams, failed relationships and hopeful longing for love is present. The arrangements are less centered on dark moods and the timbre of musical saw (though it IS played) and various percussion do-dads (as it became starting with The Blackened Air), and more electric guitar is used, which is A-OK with me. Beyond comparative issues, the bottom line is this: Dogs features thoughtfully-crafted songs (sometimes short) with somewhat dark lyrics, sung by a beautiful female voice and backed by some interesting instruments. The music is folk-rocky with a hint of country (but not too much, thank heaven). I am, as always, impressed with the songwriting, and appreciate the different style of music from the 2nd and 3rd albums. Can't wait for more!"

Good for what ails you...bring your own chocolate

P. Hayes | New York | 06/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found Nina Nastasia had 2 songs on NPR..."The Long Walk" and "Stormy Weather". Skeptically listening to her music I was rather unused to it. My creature comforts are a little less kind and more punk. But hearing Nina and her fellow bandmates, her haunting lyrics and the lowkey music following her dark smokey voice put you at ease. This music should be used in a combo of coffee and chocolate when you just want to feed your aching head & heart.In "The Long Walk" she seems almost coo "You're covered with sweat, we're hardly there yet, don't be ashamed of yourself". Her words of comfort "just take it slow, its only me" seem so personal. You should be tearfully half done with the chocolate by now. Yet songs like "Stormy Weather" without sacrificing any intimacy, seem to subtly exude the power of a film score. I make no comparisons, but this band makes me think of Cowboy Junkies and Nick Drake. Acoustic guitars work well with other string instruments and minimal percussion. I welcome this alternative to the overly produced music heard all too often. Do not blame me if you quickly develop a relationship with this CD. Love at your own risk."

Well done again

J. Schmitt | Minneapolis, MN United States | 02/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I loved BLACKENED AIR so much that after wearing it out I purchased DOGS. Of course both have the wisdom of Steve Albini whirrled in. I am drawn to Nina Nastasia by the simplicity, the front porch elements that seem to slink around behind the barn where the real action goes down. Short well done songs that puntuate the worlds between dark folk and a film score for innocence lost."