From hearty bellowing to subtle and smoky crooning, this pint-sized founding member of Throwing Muses, the Breeders, and Belly sure can sing. The major complaint regarding this album is that it's so short. Hungry Life was ... more »recorded live in front of an intimate audience in the lobby of an abandoned Vermont hotel, during the hottest summer in ages. The singer-songwriter, who's at times seemed uncomfortable and tentative in live performance, is far from either here. Donelly's ease in her Ida-esque, plaintive country-rock has never seemed more apparent. The arrangements sound full and fleshed-out throughout; it's frequently easy to forget the songs were recorded live until the audience members chime in at the end. The string-heavy, soulful take on the Beatles' "Long Long Long" is exceptional, while "Kundalini Slide" is a barn-burner worthy of Neil Young. Yay. --Mike McGonigal« less
From hearty bellowing to subtle and smoky crooning, this pint-sized founding member of Throwing Muses, the Breeders, and Belly sure can sing. The major complaint regarding this album is that it's so short. Hungry Life was recorded live in front of an intimate audience in the lobby of an abandoned Vermont hotel, during the hottest summer in ages. The singer-songwriter, who's at times seemed uncomfortable and tentative in live performance, is far from either here. Donelly's ease in her Ida-esque, plaintive country-rock has never seemed more apparent. The arrangements sound full and fleshed-out throughout; it's frequently easy to forget the songs were recorded live until the audience members chime in at the end. The string-heavy, soulful take on the Beatles' "Long Long Long" is exceptional, while "Kundalini Slide" is a barn-burner worthy of Neil Young. Yay. --Mike McGonigal
CD Reviews
At last!
depthfunction | St. Louis, Missouri USA | 01/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a long-time Tanya Donelly fan, I'm embarrassed to say that I only recently purchased this album. I was aware, back in 2004, that Donelly was recording a live album, but months--and then years--passed, and the album was never released, and so Donelly fell off my radar screen.
Now that I have the album, though, it is much more than I would have expected. Technically, it's a "live" album, but it doesn't sound like a live album. The recording quality is excellent, and were it not for the muffled applause at the end of each track, I might think that the album was recorded in the studio.
I was also pleasantly surprised that the album consists of new material (with the exception of "Days of Grace" which is a b-side from her "Beautysleep" album. Highlights for me are "To the Lighthouse," "Littlewing," "World On Fire," and her cover of the Beatles' "Long Long Long."
Finally, I'm glad to hear Donelly is again supported by a full band. I consider her previous album, the all-acoustic "Whiskey Tango Ghosts" to be a mostly failed experiment. Donelly's music is always at its best when she's playing an electric guitar and has other plugged-in musicians backing her up.
"This Hungry Life" is a very good album, I just wish I had known about it earlier!
"
Possibly my favorite album of '06
Greg Lyons | Somerville, MA | 04/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'll admit that it took me a while to appreciate this album. If you come to this album expecting it to sound like a third Belly album, you will be disappointed. However, once you spend some time with it, the country-tinged melodies and Tanya's beautiful vocals really take hold. All of the songs have a wonderfully intimate feel to them, and it's easy to forget that this is a "live" album. I highly recommend buying this as an entire album and not just cherry-picking songs as it comes alive when listened to from start to finish (a rare treat these days, it seems). That being said, personal favorites include "Kundalini Slide" and "River Girls," with Tanya's amazing version of the Beatles "Long, Long, Long" being the high point of the album."
All i have now is my memories
giovanni | Greece | 06/07/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"" I had no idea she was still releasing records ! " gasped a reviewer at an internet music page . He is not the only one . Even sites like popmatters and pitchformedia , known for their indie sensitivities , have failed to notice .It might have to do with the fact that Donelly herself has stopped touring and promoting her work some years ago and chose to focuse on her family . There is a rather neglected site representing her at the web were fans fill the message board with wishes for mother's day , her children's birthdays and even talking about the possibility of Belly getting back together .Most entries overall point out the lack of things to actually discuss. Ofcourse this is a peculiar release itself , a live album yet full of new songs , all recorded at a gig at an abandoned hotel in front of a small audience of devoted followers .
Once upon a time Tanya Donelly might have been hyped as the new princess of psychedelic pop with her band's debut album , Belly's " Star " yet it's been a long fifteen years since then and like everyone , the lady has changed . Her music tastes certaintly have . Donelly herself has become an excellent live perfomer and her band supports her solidly but people who have jumped on board because of her precious tracks with the Throwing Muses , the Belly albums or even the exceptional but little heard solo recordings " Lovesongs For Underdogs " and "Beautysleep " are in for a minor dissapointment . That's not to say that this is a poor piece of work because it isn't ( talent doesn't come and go in a day , you know ) . It's just that ...it seems to adress to a different audience . Like the intimate ballads of "Whiskey Tango Ghosts " , this is less mystical and more down-to-earth and on tracks like " World On Fire " the country elements are stronger than ever .
Ofcourse nowone would expect Donelly to still be singing about possesed toys and most fans are just glad she keeps bother to release stuff anyway . Still , the turn her sounds has taken is rather alienating . At least for me it is. Overall , despite having some wonderful moments ( "Littlewing " , " Kundalini Slide " ) " This Hungry Life "is like one of these meetings you have now and then with an old friend who you haven't seen for years : although you're glad for their happiness , you rather realize that you don't have much in common any more ."
One of Tanya's best efforts yet
giovanni | 05/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tanya Donelly is one of alternative rock's most important figures. She has been in some of the most celebrated groups of the underground such as Throwing Muses and the Breeders. Of course, her own band Belly, mastered their own style but quickly dissolved.
This album is my favorite Tanya solo album, inching out Beautysleep by just a tad. Here Tanya is able to mix her supreme pop/rock sensabilties and with her love of country standards. She is able to more than hold my attention through the fabulous ten songs. "New England" is a pefect example of what to expect from this album. It's a nice length, nice catchy choruses and of course the highlight of any Tanya album, that beautiful, soothing voice.
So, to anyone hoping for another Belly album (why would you? it's been over ten years now. Some reviewers are just plain ignorant), don't bother. Tanya is and always will be a lasting figure who does not need popular support to sustain her legacy."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1