Search - Tandy :: Lichtenstein's Oriole

How long does it take to get tired of an album this good?

Alissa Herbert | 06/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I adore this record, and no shabby words that follow will suffice to explain all the reasons why. Especially in the long shadow of Tandy's unusually unpretentious poetic lyrics, and musical synergy. Lichtenstein's Oriole launches off with the up-tempo tale of "The District Doctor," and then goes into the heart gradually, by degrees, beginning with "Bright Brown." Then there is "Pictures of China," and "Ted," filled with memory, humility and truth... like looking through a rearview mirror, or more aptly, someone else's eyes. Yellowed snapshots. "Lorna Boy" is a fabulous song -- so crisp and catchy, it makes me want to sing along LOUD (ask my friends). Dave Van Ronk (also a Brooklynite) does guest vocals on this song that add grit and real joy. Mike and Dave sound amazing together, even on my awful stereo. It's a kickass song to drive to, by the way. There are so many personal songs on this record (and the earlier ones,) it's like a cryptic biography. The rapport between the band members is apparent throughout. Clean drumming style and backing harmonies link tightly to strong and bare fronting vocals, guitar and harmonica; add the strings (cello, fiddle) and dobro, hammond organ, accordion... and a diversely talented ensemble, and it makes for a truly unique sound. The guitars are clear and prominent, just as they should be. Nobody tampered with the intent of the songs, and that may be why they all sound so pure and deliberate.I like Tandy because they bring back a feeling that music is still about fun, and playing/listening because you have to, and love to. I'd recommend that if you want to find out more about the band -- or get the truly beautiful "Some Summer's Day" or earlier eponymous album "Tandy" -- go directly to their label on-line @yellowslipper.com. That's all.Tandy are fantastic, and at the same time -- wonderful people. How rare."

Lichtenstein's Oriole

Doug Martin | New York City | 12/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is an amazing followup to Tandy's "Some Summers Day". I have enthusiastically followed this band for years and they just get better and better! Mike Ferrio's songs are alive with content and the musicianship is extraordinary. The somewhat unusual instrumentation gives Tandy's sound a unique flavor while never seeming tricky or out of step with it's roots-based influences. I love this record!"

Tandy Magic

S. D. Cavendish | London, UK | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tandy's latest album 'Lichtenstein's Oriole is an ornithologist's delight: the sleeve notes fold out to make a nice poster for your wall! Artwork out the way, the music is pure joy: rootsy, rocking alt. country fare from Mike Ferrio's band. It's tight and it's got a groove, laid down by singing drummer, Irish Tom McCrum and George Rush, bass. The album drives along with acoustic and electric guitars from Ferrio and Jay Sherman-Godfrey, aided by Dobro and lap steel from session man David Hamburger, fiddle from Miss Darlene, Sibel Firat's cello, cajun accordion from Charlie Giardano and Ferrio's harmonica. It's a fine, fine album with hidden depths and secrets beneath the instant pop appeal. 'Live' Tandy is a wonderful surprise. At the 12-Bar Club and a pub gig, Rosie O'Grady's in Camden, in May, they produced as perfect a sound as a band can make, even with a slightly changed line-up, without losing any of the vitality or magic of the album. Maybe it's the other way round - the album perfectly captures the 'live' Tandy. How? Well, the album was mostly recorded 'live' in the studio and they have at least three elements work perfectly together in both album and 'live': Tom McCrum's acoustic sticks drumming, (on tour he used just brushes and acoustic sticks on snare and never missed a beat). Virginian Miss Darlene's fiddle was a smoothly mellifluous constant. Mike Ferrio controlled the whole with his songs: poetry which is sharp, literate, quirky and funny. Language can be percussive in its own right; here the words roll rhythmically along as much an instrument as his harmonica. And there were no jokes or wisecracks between songs - just straight into one great song after another. Unforgettable. An album to hug to death and buy for special friends. Mike Ferrio's Tandy (named after a character in Sherwood Anderson's 'Winesburg, Ohio') formed in 1996 and are New York based. I hope they come back to UK soon."