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Indiegrrl Compilation 2 |
As a selection of twelve artists, each with her own distinctive style, Indiegrrl Compilation 2 is exceptional for its unity and its quality. Often a compilation to benefit some cause becomes an uneven pastiche of varying quality and style. On this release, the quality of writing and performance is uniformly high and the songs sound as though they were meant to be together.
Created to benefit Washington, D.C.'s Men's Rape Prevention Project, this release shows remarkable restraint in not preaching to the converted but simply presenting a dozen women's perspectives on life. Although she is not one of the artists on this release, Washington songwriter Holly Figueroa deserves credit for the excellent job she has done in assembling this collection of songs.
The music is indie-pop, the lyrics approximating today's alternative mainstream. This is music meant not to shock but to tell stories and inform. For those who may not be familiar with the women featured on this CD, the performances range stylistically from Sheryl Crow through Jennifer Warnes to Sarah McLachlan. The music is pleasant without becoming boring and the lyrics are worth a listen.
While it would be difficult to say that one song is better than any other on this release, some do stand out. Rather than better or worse quality, what distinguishes these songs is the performers' unique interpretations.
Several of the songs have a very folky feel to them. "Till Your Heart Heals Again" is especially noticeable because in structure and in its rhythms it echoes some of the more popular songs by the late Stan Rogers. "I Never Thought I'd Say This" blends a very Sixties folk sound with a Sara McLachlan vocal edge. "Wedding Dress" is a wonderful updated version of hillbilly music complete with the Jew's harp twanging away in the background.
"I'll Go Down" is the only song that features a male voice. Built like an African chant or a work song, this song rolls irrevocably forward, alternating short verses and the three words of the title sung as chorus. The effect is powerful and convincing.
"Nothing is Stopping You" benefits from Heather Eatman's distinctive voice and style. Her sound reminds me of Melanie Safka or perhaps even Millie Small. In more contemporary terms, she has very much the sound of Night Sun's wonderful Ellen Hamilton. The effect is potent and entrancing.
The featured artists on this release are Edie Carey, Debra Cowan, Heather Eatman, Mary Gauthier, Bari Koral, Anne O'Meara, Katherine Quinn, Marjorie Richards, Kym Tuvim, Marina Vittoria, Virginia Wagner, and Sue Willett.Each song on Indiegrrl Compilation 2 is a well-formed work of art and communication. While each stands on its own, together they form a unified whole that makes excellent listening. As a sample of the various artists or as a release in its own right, Indiegrrl Compilation 2 is definitely worth owning.
Those wanting more information on the MRRP, Indiegrrl Records, or this release will find it at www.indiegrrl.com.
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Since about February 14, 2004 |
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