Search - Rasputina :: Sister Kinderhook

A Wonderful Treat

Meghan C. Portillo | California - again | 06/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a Rasputina fan for about 11 years and up to now, my favorite album of theirs was "Thanks for the Ether." "Sister Kinderhook" is now vying for that position. Their albums are always unique, but this one introduces many new instruments that I don't recall hearing on other albums (I would list them but because they aren't listed in the little booklet, the only one I can make out for certain is the piano). This album strikes me as having more a chamber feel than any other Rasputina album. [Update - while I don't recall hearing them, they apparently made appearances before "Sister Kinderhook." So ... these instruments have a stronger presence on this album than any other.]



My favorite song on this album is "The Snow Hen of Austerlitz" because the way it is sung evokes wonder and sympathy for this girl who may or may not really exist. She is a child who is raised by birds because her mother forgot that she gave birth to a human baby, not a bird. Another noteworthy song is "Holocaust of Giants" because in it, there is proof that giants existed and killed each other in a meaningless war - "Thank your lucky stars we don't do that anymore" strikes me as rather tongue in cheek. Most of these songs seem to take place in the 1800s and are rich in history and folklore/myth.



While this is a very different album from the rest, musically, a fan can listen to any one of these songs and know immediately that it is Rasputina. As for the way this CD is packaged ... it is entirely made of cardboard and the CD comes sleeved in something similar to wax paper ... I am assuming this is to protect it if/when it slides out of its sleeve when it's not supposed to. This CD has already become one of my favorites."

Moving Forward With An Eye on The Past

Robert Burns | Tallahassee, Florida United States | 06/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Progress can be a wonderful thing.I'm always impressed with Melora Creager's unwillingness to make the same record twice.On Sister Kinderhook, the Rasputina sonic palette continues to gain new colors, this time courtesy of Ms. Creager's banjo & keyboards as well as new cellist Daniel DeJesus' use of erhu (a chinese 2 stringed violin).My concerns over the loss of Jonathan Tebeest,Rasputina's first "official" drummer, are soothed by the presence of new timekeeper Catie D'Amica's more than capable percussion stylings.

What do remain from previous records are Melora's gorgeous voice and those wonderful cellos, making this album distinctly Rasputina.Much of the lyrical content presents an alternate view of history similar to that portayed on Oh Perilous World.Long time admirers of Rasputina, especially those who appreciate Melora Creager's steadfast refusal to stand still musically, will find much to love here and lovers of great, original & intelligent music should not let this one get away.

Last I checked,CD copies of this album (including the LP/Poster/CD package)were still available w/ the beautiful limited edition fan featuing art by Daniel DeJesus.Buy one! They are a thing of beauty, much like this record & much like Rasputina."