The Life You Always Wanted is the full-length debut from acclaimed San Francisco-based band The Bittersweets, whose lineup includes drummer Steve Bowman, formerly of the Counting Crows. The band had the unique distinction ... more »of opening for Train at the legendary Fillmore before the album was even released. The Life You Always Wanted charted among the Top 200 sellers in the Bay Area and went on to be named the #5 album of 2006 by the Palm Beach Post.« less
The Life You Always Wanted is the full-length debut from acclaimed San Francisco-based band The Bittersweets, whose lineup includes drummer Steve Bowman, formerly of the Counting Crows. The band had the unique distinction of opening for Train at the legendary Fillmore before the album was even released. The Life You Always Wanted charted among the Top 200 sellers in the Bay Area and went on to be named the #5 album of 2006 by the Palm Beach Post.
CD Reviews
A hidden gem
Russell A. Carleton | 06/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a sit-down album. Equal parts roots rock, country, and folk sensibility, it features 11 songs that are more than just catchy jingles. They did leave me humming them on the train to work, but that's not the full charm of the album. When I listened to them again, I realized on a closer listen that this album managed to pull off the feel of a singer-songwriter confessional. The songs could slip into cartoonish coverage of their subject matter (longing, searching, redemption), but never wallow in cheap theatrical tricks, lyrically or musically. Indeed, what struck me about the work was the fact that for a five-piece band, the arrangements were remarkably simple. The lyrics were insightful, delightfully quirky, and beautifully delivered. The album is worth buying for the achingingly gorgeous "And Death Shall Have No Dominion". A fabulous piece of work."
You'll wish you knew them when!
SF Fan | California | 06/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Catch this fantastic Cowboy Junkies/Blue Rodeo style country-folk band while you can still get close enough to the stage to see how much they love what they're doing. The songs are catchy and smart, and you can play this CD at a party or run to it on your ipod. I'm already excited for the next one."
Fresh and exciting
L. Lundberg | Midlothian, TX USA | 03/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is fantastic! It is amazing to me that it is not on the top of the charts all over the country. The lyrics are full of meaning (for people who like to listen to lyrics), and the vocals make you want to hear more and more. I recommend this recording to old and young music lovers alike."
Bittersweet symphonies
Stephen Doig | New Zealand | 11/19/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"San Francisco five-piece The Bittersweets do a nice line in immaculately crafted pop with subtle country influences. In that respect, they are not at all unlike their more well-known peers Over The Rhine. But where OTR can at times be tasteful to the point of being sterile, The Bittersweets avoid falling into that trap with a sound that comes off warmer, more spirited and a touch more gritty.
Their debut record The Life You Always Wanted is crisp and easy on the ear and features the sweetly endearing vocal talents of Hannah Prater, whose singing style is remarkably similar to Harriet Wheeler (The Sundays) or Leigh Nash (formerly Sixpence None The Richer). Standout cut is the opening track `When The World Ends' which, like much of The Life You Always Wanted, balances down-on-luck lyrics with tight harmonies and beautiful melodies. `Bag Of Bones' and `Long Day' are two more highlights, making up a very good first half. The album's second half is good, but slightly more bereft of thrills.
For a debut, The Life You Always Wanted is hugely accomplished, well-rounded stuff, but there's still a sense that The Bittersweets best work is yet come. An exciting prospect."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1