Search - Rickie Lee Jones :: Girl at Her Volcano

An odd, sweet Valentine

J. Collins | 01/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This EP of material was Warner Bros. attempt to keep Ms. Jones in the public eye between full studio releases. Originally issued on a 10" vinyl pressing and cassette in '83, it proved to be more of a fan collectible than a big seller. This is understandable, given the limited appeal of the material in this setting.The bluesy, cabaret-like arrangements and Rickie's "boozy" vocals seem a natural progression from her first two albums, but the genre this recording inhabits is as old as it is eclectic. "Lush Life" has been recorded by "rock" artists aplenty (Linda Ronstadt and Donna Summer are two), and Rickie's version sounds a bit too "mush-mouthed" to make hers definitive. Fortunately, it's followed by a gorgeous "medley" of two songs...her own (instrumental) "Letters..." and the Left Banke's Pop classic, "Walk Away Renee." The glistening instrumental track surges with power and grace, and Rickie puts her heart and soul into the words. The original hit was typical (if well-written) Pop fare, but this version goes much deeper. If you've experienced a similar loss in your own life, this song will rip you to shreds."Hey Bub," an original tune, continues in a similar vein. Though the melancholia may seem to overwhelm the song itself, there is no way you can confuse it's message with sentimental poetry. The next (live) track, "My Funny Valentine," is a sloppy affair...the product of one too many cocktails, is my guess. Rickie comes off a bit shrill, overplaying an obvious sense of desperation. "Under The Boardwalk" is a lot better than it could have been, and benefits from Rickie's experience with finger-snappin', "good timey" music. The Tom Waits-penned "Rainbow Sleeves" is another gem, though it returns the focus of the recording to more somber territory. "So Long" continues this trend, but again, the results are far from depressing.The final cut in this CD version of "Girl..." was a bonus cut only available on the original cassette. Since it was recorded in concert with the equivalent of a boom box, it's a genuine pleasure to hear the recording in it's purest form on CD. "Something Cool" is the best live track on this EP, and though it suffers slightly from the same "tossed off" performance as the other live tracks, the intricacy of the lyrical story thread and Rickie's bemused delivery makes it a winner.In fairness to non-fans, I can't say this EP would make a good introduction to Rickie Lee Jones, and might in fact alienate those who could appreciate her more "accessible" recordings. But for fans, this odd, sad but rejuvenating set of songs is a rare glimpse of a reclusive "star" who is totally immersed in her passion."

One of her best!!

A. Sloan | Cary, NC | 06/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You just don't have enough stars here!!. The phrasing in her singing that made her a hit storyteller is here with a vengeance. Songs that I adored to begin with (i.e. Walk away Rene, Funny Valentine, Rainbow Sleeves, Under the Boardwalk) are sung with that coolness and heart that was rare in the 80's. Everything was flashy, loud, synthetic, and pseudo-futuristic. Ricki Lee came out of the box with the cool, easy, relaxed storytelling of "Chuckie's in Love" and "Youngbloods" and never looked back. She doesn't have a great voice, (it's quirky and soft but she has range). It's just that she transports you easily with the way she delivers, whether it's her original works or not.

The Left Banke's "Walk Away Rene" was a gem to begin with, but Ricki Lee's rendition shines it up, puts it in a setting, wraps it up and gives it as a present to us. It glistens, sparkles and touches your heart. This is an emotional journey worth taking.

"

Walk Away Rene like you've never heard it before!

Ed E. Morawski | Orange, CA United States | 02/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Only Rickie Lee Jones could turn the little know Walk Away Rene into an elusive, dream like, emotion filled, spectacular piece!Although all the songs are good, this is the reason for buying this CD. Her band does an outstanding job behind her with shimmering effects, but Rickie Lee's vocals give it a life it never had before.This rendition will affect you emotionally, deep down into your soul, with it's heartfelt styling.What a coup! How could Rickie Lee Jones be relegated to obscurity with this kind of talent?"