WENDY & LISA - EROICA

Eroica...  You can search the term on google, bing, whatever search engine floats your boat and you'll always find yourself coming back to Beethoven.  He used the word more than once in his compositions and its since become a word many people associate with him including authors and film makers.  

Why did Wendy & Lisa choose to name their album "Eroica"?  That's a question we may never have an answer to.  But when you consider the breadth of music these two study, consume and incorporate into their own sound, it's not hard to believe some of Beethoven's Eroica Variations might have had an impact on one or both of them.

It's almost beside the point when you get right down to it.  Whether the name is used to honor music they love or signal the listener something truly transformative is about to happen, it works.  Not only is it a departure from the Minneapolis Sound but it expands the subject matter and writing abilities of the pair in a dynamic way.

The first time I heard this record I wasn't sure what to think.  It seemed like W&L were branching out into some new musical territory.  At the time, a lot of women were taking center stage in a folk alt rock sorta way.  Bonnie Raitt, The Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco and Melissa Etheridge...  A movement in women's music was off and running.  And it seemed almost like W&L were going to be a part of it.  But as I listened to "Eroica" more and more, I felt like there was something else happening.

One of the reasons I love Wendy & Lisa so much is because I don't feel alienated by their music.  I can relate to it from so many different angles.  Sometimes, I view their stuff from a more emotional, feminine side while in others, I'm more in tune with my masculine side.  Either way, they reach out to me because they sing about things I can internalize.  Their music becomes a backdrop to my life.  On this record, there are some astounding examples of that and there are songs I continually go back to even after all these years.

When you hear the opening chords of 'Rainbow Lake' a part of you feels completely at ease.  It's just Prince-y enough to make you feel like your in a comfortable place.  The organ swells over the minimalist electronic drum patch and the lovely visuals painted by the lyrics...  If Paisley Park were a real park, Rainbow Lake would be right beside it.  It's a visionary song.  

However, nothing can prepare you for the transition into 'Strung Out'.  Once that drum kicks in, you know you're in for something new and you're not disappointed.  Although the comparison of Love to a drug may not be a new concept, being addicted to a specific person is an interesting spin.  One approached from an almost joyful headspace.  As if the high achieved through that lover's touch, kiss and smile is more powerful than any drug.  Since discovering my demisexual nature, this song takes on a new meaning for me and is even more powerful.    A lover's smile can literally set my mind and heart free.  It can wash away worry and concern.  Not to mention, the song is absolutely kickin' and Wendy really rocks out on this one.

The next song is a more complicated endeavor.  'Mother Of Pearl' is the first song on this disc that reminds me of those old 70's rock bands who wrote crazy stories in their music.  The sorta band Christopher Guest poked fun at with his mocumentary film, "This Is Spinal Tap".  The song appears to be about a fight between lovers, but there's so much more to the lyrical content taken both in and out of context.  I could spend hours commenting on individual lines and tracing the slow tearing apart of this relationship, but I won't.  You'll have to listen to the song and see for yourself.  There are a couple of lines I absolutely do have to point out because they are, by themselves, so much more than the sum of this song.

"Guilt is the one thing
We could do without
Judgment the anvil
That's weighing us down"

I can't tell you how important those lines were to me when I realized I couldn't live a life trying to make my family happy.  The more I lied about who I was and adopted their religious views, the more unhappy I felt inside.  I knew in time I would suffocate under the pressure of that false life.  And all because I felt guilty.  That I was letting them down.  And fearful of the judgment.  I remember sitting alone one night listening to this song and playing that part over and over.  I realized I didn't have to hold on to the guilt I felt.  I wasn't doing anything wrong and the anvil of judgment on my shoulders wasn't a burden I had to carry.  Just like that, I made up my mind to start living for my own happiness and I stopped trying to live up to the expectations of others.

'Don't Try To Tell Me' is the first song sung by Lisa and it's another one that's taken me a long time to fully understand.  There's a resignation in her voice.  A sadness but also a tone of acceptance.  She's not going to make you stay if you don't want.  But at the same time, she's not going to change who she is.  I remember my ex telling me I was too co-dependent.  I was horrified.  Yet, as I thought about it, I couldn't see what was wrong with depending on your partner, or having them depend on you.  Of all the people in the world, isn't that who you should be able to depend on?  So if co-dependent means living a shared life and relying on each other, sign me up.  But don't ever try to tell me what I should or shouldn't be doing when it comes to love.  I've earned the knowledge I have of my self and I know who I am.  I'm not compromising that.  Even if it means losing a love.  That's the message I take from this song.

'Crack In The Pavement' to me is a song about perspective.  Seeing something in someone not commonly seen or overlooked.  And at the same time, seeing the side they don't usually show the world.  The chorus seems almost resentful of it, but I think it's more of a comment on honesty.  Why do people need to pretend to be something or someone they're not?  Why tell the world you're made of stone and then come cry on my shoulder when everything is too hard.  Amazing.

'Porch Swing'...  I actually think this song is about Prince.  Although I don't for one second think that Prince takes things real slow, the other metaphors they use to describe "The Guy (she) knows" are perfect.  It's a tender number and one that offers insight into a magical time in their lives.  'Why Wait For Heaven' is the sleeper rock opera I can't believe someone finally wrote.  The idea of making heaven here on Earth isn't new, but it's still incredible to hear Wendy sing about it like a call to arms.

'Turn Me Inside Out' is a tune about trying to understand  lover and be understood at the same time.  It's all about that process we go through as we get to know new people.  'Skeleton Key' is the promise of opening the door to new beginnings and a new life.  Maybe it's about introducing someone to their sexuality and helping them discover who they are.

'Valley Vista' is a track we can all relate to unless we've lived in the same place our entire lives.  I've driven past old homes my family lived in and homes I lived in with families I've made on my own.  There are so many memories that flood back to us when we see and experience these places later in life.  Such a unique song and one of the reasons I find them so compelling.  They can capture a specific feeling and moment in a song.

'Staring At The Sun' is the hopeful conclusion to the album and leaves you wondering, "What now?"  You wonder both for Wendy & Lisa and yourself.  This is another track I can personalize easily.  I can't imagine someone not being able to take this perspective and look out into their future and wonder what to do.  

The fact is, I could write about each one of these songs all day and discuss them at great length, but that's not what I'm trying to do here.  I'm trying to review the disc and give people the chance who haven't heard it to discover it.  Or those who are familiar with it, an opinion that might make them go back and listen again.

"Eroica" is one of my Desert Island Discs.  Whether the list be top 10, or top 20, this record will always find its way there.  It's simply that good and too much a part of my life.  I love it from start to finish.  How can I convince you to give this album a try?  If you haven't listened to Wendy & Lisa before, this would be the album to start with.

I feel like I'm just blithering now so I'll wrap it up.  But first, I should say...  My copy of this most excellent album includes a bonus disc of piano improvisations by Lisa.  I bought my copy on CD in Europe.  They're also amazing pieces of music.  I wonder if 'Eric's Ghost' is about Eric Leeds.  It would be nice to ask Lisa about that sometime.  And now for my final words:  A MUSICAL MASTERPIECE TRANSCENDING TRADITIONAL ROCK AND EMBRACING THE SPIRITUAL.  EVERYONE SHOULD OWN THIS RECORD.  IT'S THAT GOOD!

WENDY & LISA - EROICA
01. Rainbow Lake
02. Strung Out
03. Mother Of Pearl
04. Don't Try To Tell Me
05. Crack In The Pavement
06. Porch Swing
07. Why Wait For Heaven
08. Turn Me Inside Out
09. Skeleton Key
10. Valley Vista
11. Staring At The Sun
LISA COLEMAN - PIANO IMPROVISATIONS
01. Minneapolis #1
02. Minneapolis #2
03. Eric's Ghost
04. C-Ya

BARENAKED LADIES - DISC ONE: ALL THEIR GREATEST HITS (1991-2001)

Barenaked Ladies are one of those bands everyone kinda knows to one degree or another.  They've had a string of hits that filter through the music scene and wind up on soundtracks, mix tapes, compilation discs or you have that one friend who really digs the group and plays them all the time.

They have a few songs I really love and when I found this disc for a reasonable price, I picked it up.  I was really excited about it because it has all the songs I like and I expected to discover even more tunes by the group to fall in love with.  But I was in for a shock!  I very quickly discovered my interest in the group was fairly skin deep.

This is an interesting group because it features two lead singers.  And one of them I like and one I don't.  It's not because I wanna be a jerk, I just don't like his voice.  He sounds like he's trying to be a male version of Ani DiFranco.  And I'm talking about Steven Page.  On the other hand, I'm completely head over heels for Ed Robertson's vocals.  What sucks is that Steven Page sings lead on a rather hugely unfair majority of tracks on this record and I actually find the disc rather hard to listen to.  I skip to the tracks I like and just avoid the rest.

Robertson sings lead or co-lead on the following numbers and frankly, they're the only songs I can handle: 'Falling For The First Time', 'One Week', 'Get In Line', 'Pinch Me' and 'Thanks That Was Fun'...  So on a disc with 19 songs, I only listen to 5.  And one of them is questionable.

I recently read Page left the group which means, Robertson becomes the new lead singer by default and I'm interested in hearing more of their stuff with him on the mic.  But this compilation won't inspire me to buy anymore of their music.  Sadly.

I guess if you're a casual observer of the group and you like some of their stuff, this is the way to go.  Buy this collection and listen to the tracks you love the most.  Skip the rest.

I feel awful that I'm not a fan of Steven Page's voice.  I really wanted to like what they were doing.  I'm disappointed I couldn't.  But oh well.  My final words:  A DEFINITE UNPLEASANT SHOCK, BUT WORTH THE SONGS I LIKE!

BARENAKED LADIES - DISC ONE: ALL THEIR GREATEST HITS (1991-2001)
01. The Old Apartment
02. Falling For The First Time
03. Brian Wilson
04. One Week
05. By My Yoko Ono
06. Alternative Girlfriend
07. It's Only Me (The Wizard Of Magicland)
08. If I Had $1000000
09. Call And Answer
10. Get In Line
11. It's All Been Done
12. Jane
13. Lovers In A Dangerous Time
14. Pinch Me
15. Shoebox
16. What A Good Boy
17. Too Little Too Late
18. Enid
19. Thanks That Was Fun

ROISIN O - THE SECRET LIFE OF BLUE

So Roisin O came to my attention through a promotional release and I put the disc in not sure what to expect.  I'd heard 'Hold On', but I wasn't sure what to make of it.  Then I decided to go for it and let me tell ya...  I've been listening to the disc now for a few weeks.  I've lived with the music and I've tried to think about it without feeling so much.  Mostly because the music on this disc causes you to respond involuntary.

I remember reading one of Seal's liner notes and he wrote something about not printing lyrics because sometimes what you hear in your head is radically different from what the actual words are.  And this disc is a prime example of that notion.

Roisin O is one of those vocalists with the ability to emote her songs.  And in my opinion, that's the most success you can achieve as a musician.  If you can make people internalize your music, relate to it on a personal level, you succeed.

The first track on the disc is 'Here We Go' and it's a fun, bright pop tune worthy of a place on any pop chart.  Without diving into the world of electronic blips and whirls, Roisin jumps out at you with a lively number that would make anyone jump out of their seat.  It's followed by the slower paced, 'Synchronicity'.  It doesn't drop the bottom out of the momentum of the disc.  In fact, it softens it and prepares you for a more in depth experience.  The chorus is catchy and it's one you can enjoy singing along with.  With the breathy "ahs" towards the end of the song, it's easy to see why this number is so infectious.  

The next track is one I found extremely powerful.  The first time I heard it, I was listening to the disc as I was driving in my truck.  It reminded me of Ani DiFranco's singing style.  But the music itself and the rhythm...  It made me think of my sister and in minutes I was in tears.  Roisin sings, "Strive to climb high", but I heard, "Strive to come home" and my heart broke.  No matter how often I hear the song, I hear the lyrics I want to hear.  Each time, I feel an overpowering response.  By itself, this song makes the album worth owning.  

She moves the record along with 'How Long'.  I hear a lot of folk instrumentation happening here.  I read online Roisin is an Irish singer and I hear a lot of that in this song.  But it's quite energetic and keeps you interested.  Next up is 'Filled With Snow' and at this point I started hearing Wendy & Lisa in the music.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love them and when I hear artists who remind me of their unique style of composition, I get excited and enthusiastic.  This song is no exception.

Next up is the haunting single from the album, 'Hold On'.  This is another song that causes an incredible emotional response in me when I hear it.  Where so many ballads deal with losing love, devotion or other such ideas...  Roisin uses hers to encourage her audience.  She sings songs of hope.  More than once I've found myself listening to this song when I've had a bad day and needed someone to talk to.  To lean on.

'Let's Find Some People' is another track I can hear the timeless groove of Lisa and Wendy shining through.  There's a wonderful bop happening here and I love it.  Especially the organ pumping away under the guitars.  'Tea Song' is another one that reminds of Ani DiFranco.  In fact the opening few strums recalls a track from "To The Teeth".  When the organ cuts in again, I feel almost like I'm in the smooth arms of a Norah Jones lullaby.  It's followed by 'You Owe Me A Drink'.  A hurried number, this one kinda chugs along and includes an amazing arrangement of electric organ and guitar strumming.  This is one of the tracks where Roisin's vocals really shine through.  She's got an interesting range and she's fun to listen to.  At certain points, the song almost sounds like Country and you could swear Dolly Parton was singing backup.

Winding the disc down, 'Find The Light' is almost lost on the disc.  The interesting percussion mix is a highlight and the sounds are ethereal yet earthly.  She never seems to leave you behind.  Each word pulls you along and yet, if you're not paying attention, this little gem will slip past you.  Finally, the title track, 'The Secret Life Of Blue' winds up the disc.  When I hear it, I feel like I'm sitting on the porch of the house in North Carolina.  Up in the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Playing guitars on a summer night while a warm rain strums against the roof.  It's a peaceful and lovely way to end the record.  The harmonies are delightful and enchanting as they fade leaving you longing for just a little more.

There are so many sounds happening on this recording and all of them make me want to hear more from this vital exciting new artist.  I was fortunate to have this disc brought to my attention and I hope you'll take the time to discover it and enjoy it as much as I have.  My final words: BEST NEW MUSIC I'VE HEARD IN AGES!

ROISIN O - THE SECRET LIFE OF BLUE

01. Here We Go

02. Synchronicity

03. Climb High

04. How Long

05. Filled With Snow

06. Hold On

07. Let's Find Some People

08. Tea Song
09. You Owe Me A Drink

10. Find The Light

11. The Secret Life Of Blue

ANI DIFRANCO - TO THE TEETH

Ok, so my relationship to Ani is long and extremely complicated... She hoovered around my conscious mind for months. Her image was everywhere. Spin Magazine, Rolling Stone, cd covers at friends' homes... Then my friend Brenda asked me to go with her to an Ani concert at the Joint in Las Vegas. At the time, I was concert bound virtually every night, so I agreed to go. I loved every second of it and immediately went out and bought some Ani cds. I've seen her in concert since a few times and each one was a wonderful experience. Very casual and free.

This album is somewhat unique in my collection because I own it for two reasons. First, it was the new Ani Difranco cd and I wanted it; second, Prince contributes vocals to one of the songs. I never suspected Ani would work with Prince but I'm pleased she did. Both are extremely diverse artistically and tend to write unconventional music.

The first track is a wonderful number about gun control and teenage shootings. At the time this disc was released, Columbine was still strong on the social radar and people were freaking out about teen violence. It's a poignant piece. Extremely blunt and straight forward. And I'm sure it's incredibly offensive to Republicans and those who think gun control is anti-American. I'm kinda in the middle myself. I think people who have guns should be extremely responsible for them. But enough about politics, let's talk about music.

There are a number of tracks that stand out to me on this disc. I'd describe her musical style as punk/folk. She's got all the punk rage and rhythm but her sound is more organic in the style of folk singers. 'Wish I May' is an amazing track. Also stand out are 'I Know This Bar', 'Hello Birmingham' and 'Carry You Around'. The quirky 'The Arrivals Gate' is also a highlight. It sounds almost out of place on the album configuration with the exception of the last minute of 'Freakshow'... But would fit perfectly in a movie soundtrack. Its offbeat canter is exciting and surprising at the same time.

Prince adds a dimension to 'Providence' in a way you wouldn't expect to hear on an Ani record. Yet, she uses his contribution well and instead of detracting from her sound, it enhances it greatly. It's a wonderful collaboration and shows Prince working with another artist in a different way than usual. Normally, he writes a song, donates it and steps back or controls the project to the end. He rarely steps in, does a bit for someone else and walks away. A unique occurrence for certain. And one worth hearing.

Sadly, most of my Ani cds have vanished over the years. Theft or circumstance have taken them out of my life. But I long to have them again and I wish my collection of her music was more complete. Sometimes I long to hear a certain song only to discover it's gone from my shelf. It would be almost better if I'd never known what I was missing. Despite the odd way Ani came into my life, she's a welcome figure in it now. And 'To The Teeth' is just one reason I want her to stay. My final words: SO RIGHT.

ANI DIFRANCO - TO THE TEETH
01. To The Teeth
02. Soft Shoulder
03. Wish I May
04. Freakshow
05. Going Once
06. Hello Birmingham
07. Back Back Back
08. Swing
09. Carry You Around
10. Cloud Blood
11. The Arrivals Gate
12. Providence
13. I Know This Bar