Search - Wendy & Lisa :: Fruit at the Bottom

The album Wendy and Lisa were "destined" to make

12/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1989, this is what many call Wendy and Lisa's "funk" album. After working with Prince it was pretty much inevitable that Wendy and Lisa would make an album like "Fruit At the Bottom". It's funky, it's clever, and it's fun. Not to say that this is a complete ripoff of Prince or the Minneapolis Sound, while embracing both they still managed to keep their own sound, which is quite impressive. They also added Cole (sister of Lisa) and Susannah (sister of Wendy) for backing vocals and drummer Carla Azar, giving this album a "fuller" sound.The albums kicks off with "Lolly Lolly" (later remixed by Prince). With somewhat nursery rhymish, silly, fun, and girly lyrics and funky/folkish/countryish music, it's a heck of a song. The girls even attempt rap on this one. One of the most genre-blending songs done by the two. Also a great example of how much of a good idea it was to add Susannah in the vocal department, adds more "soul".Then we're onto "Are You My Baby", which contains two bass lines (kid you not) and some impressive vocals by Wendy.Next there's "Saticfation", a colaboration with The Time's guitarist Jesse Johnson. Another funky gem.Next there's "Always In My Dreams", the only song to feature a complete lead vocal by Lisa (unfortunate, I know). Dreamy and sweet, this'll have you swaying. Though Lisa does go off in pitch a few times, it's stil a beautiful song. Next there's "Everyday", which is sort of hard to explain. Just think of something that could've been recorded for their solo album but more upbeat. Would be very interesting to hear this sung by Prince......Anyways, we're at "From Now On (We're One)", very pop-rock. The first verse is sung by Lisa, the rest sung by Wendy. It features some impressive drums by Carla and impressive guitar "wails" by Wendy. The girls can rock.Now we're onto "Tears of Joy", an edit wouldn't have hurt. It's gorgeous, though, gorgeous.Next is "Someday I", which features VERY impressive harmonies. Somewhat offbeat, but perfect at the same time.Next is "I Think It Was December". Another song with great harmonies (they sure were having some good days in the vocal department back then). It features Lisa's piano playing(ALWAYS a treat) and somewhat spiritual lyrics. Gosphel meets pop.Now we're onto the closer and the titletrack, "Fruit At The Bottom". Yeah, I know you're looking at the title and going "what does that mean?" I'm not gonna say, let's just say Prince, er, " writing style" sorta rubbed off on them. The chorus is a little annoying but part of it's charm at the same time. All in all this album is more solid and enjoyable than their debut, leave it to them take the influence of the type of music they played for a large part of the 80s and still make it their own.This album shows that they were no ammatures, Prince really does hire the best."

Get A Little Satisfaction!!

WILLIE A YOUNG II | Houston, TX. | 04/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This sophomore effort from Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman is one of their most assured efforts to date. I was cruising some record shops in Los Angeles during the summer of '89 and found this gem on vinyl. Remembering how much I loved their gorgeous 1987 debut, I ripped open the plastic, dropped the needle and was surprised at the agressive, funky new music these women created. While one misses the icy, glacial, ethereal musings of the first album, the pleasures found on fruit are a joy to themselves. "Lolly Lolly" is a slamming funk/rock number that incorporates rap, R&B and pop into a seamless whole. "Are You My Baby" is one of the few songs in popular music to boast 2 basslines! (listen closely to the instrumental passage that opens the song) and "Satisfaction" features Jesse Johnson (of The Time) on guitar and backing vocals. The soulful, floating ballad "Always In My Dreams" is remniscent of the work on their debut and "Everyday" is a slithery funk jam that recalls mid-80's Prince. My favorite track here is the straight rock/pop of "From Now On We're One" featuring a gorgeous lead vocal by Lisa Coleman on the first verse and an insistent, itchy guitar lick by Wendy that will stick in your brain forever. "Tears Of Joy" is another great, acoustic guitar driven ballad that has a hypnotic riff and drum loop supporting Melvoin's gentle vocal. The remainder of "Fruit...." is astounding and features great singing (the gospel soul of "I Think It Was December")lyrics of hope and triumph (the wistful "Someday I") and Carla Azar's slamming drums (the closing title track, also features some squealing, siren-like guitar wails by Wendy) that make this a remarkable and thoroughly enjoyable LP to listen to from start to finish. A great collection of top notch tunes!"

YUMMY!

dugzter | USA | 01/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD yesterday (on New Year's Eve!) and I can't recommend it enough. The music is pure, melodic pop on the surface, but there are also touches of funk, rock, and jazz that set this album apart from the typical "pop" album. Wendy has a very expressive, energetic voice and Lisa adds beautiful piano solos and spacey synths that are reminiscent of the Revolution. The lyrics are infectious, and many times I feel like they have put my innermost feelings into music. If you enjoy classic Prince songs like "Mountains," "Condition Of The Heart," and "Pop Life," you will definitely love this album! However, you do NOT need to be a Prince fan to enjoy this. Wendy & Lisa's music is more "user friendly" (without all of Prince's weird sexual stuff), but it is still very creative and artistic. A must have if you love music that is classy and FUN at the same time!"