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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Lovely voice, lovely music Jan 08, 2010
"Actor" is my first exposure to St. Vincent, but it won't be my last. Although this isn't the type of music I typically listen to, I've enjoyed the CD immensely. There is something to be said for a singer-songwriter with a nice voice who can write witty, carefully crafted songs in a variety of styles. Sometimes with this sort of thing, we get little in the way of variety, but not so on "Actor"; the texture changes with each song, each new track surprising and somehow unexpected, but familiar at the same time.
I am particularly impressed with St. Vincent's writing and arranging skills. There is almost always someone helping to either write, produce, or arrange in the background, but this is genuinely the product of a singular artist. Given the textural variety on the album as a whole, I think it's quite an achievement.
I can easily recommend this to anyone who appreciates quality music, beautiful in its simplicity, but with careful attention to detail and craftsmanship. I'm giving it my highest endorsement possible: I'm buying her first album, "Merry Me."
more than a pretty face....although her face is mighty pretty Jan 05, 2010
I'm not sure if I would have rated this album so highly had I not seen her live twice this year. Had someone informed me mid-show that my apartment was on fire, I'm not sure if I would have been able to pull myself away. I believe the reason for the disparity between the album and her live show is either post-production additions made by her backing band or her transfixing charm (and I concede that it is most likely the latter). The album just comes across as much more straightforward than her live show, and it may have to do with the prominent placement of vocals. It sometimes is difficult to appreciate the complexity of the arrangements when her voice continues to bribe my critical ear. Regardless, I can't think of another female artist more gifted at songwriting and I eagerly await all future efforts.
very nice cd Dec 27, 2009
I saw St. Vincent on Austin City Limits and ordered both of their (her?) CDs. I like this one better than the first ("Marry Me") but they're both very nice. A fun combination of pretty voice, crazy guitar and interesting songs. "Marrow", "Actor Out of Work" and "Black Rainbow" are my favorites but the whole CD is enjoyable.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 N/A Dec 27, 2009
I won't bother with a title for this article because there's no way to sum up this album in just a few words.
I will say that St. Vincent is talented and one-of-a-kind with the music she creates. With this release, the songwriting takes a turn in many different directions.
Sadly, some of the tracks have a feel and sound like indie artists that fall in the same style as her. There are tracks that use many layers that work really well and engage the listener. Others are very abrasive and abstract, wondering what went through the artists' mind.
By no means does this album top "Marry Me" because the and layering is almost too much, and some of the sounds/music come across as looped over-produced samples. Also, the general lack of guitar work makes the music feel mish-mashed and thrown together without a driving chord or discernible tempo to tie it up. The more I listen to it, the fewer tracks I enjoy because of this.
This album is OK. It's no measure compared to "Marry Me."
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
interesting music Dec 22, 2009
I have mixed feelings about this album. On one hand, it sounds impressive and interesting, and clearly Annie Clark is very talented. On the other hand, it all sounds rather detached to me. While I love interesting, eclectic music, especially when done capably by females (I'm drawn more to female singers in general) I like to become emotionally involved with it also. This is something that I feel St. Vincent does not accomplish with this album.
While there are beautiful moments here, there is never quite that catharsis that it seems the songs themselves are aiming for. The production is a bit too quirky and calculated, and it dampens the emotional impact the songs might've otherwise had. However, it is still a good album to listen to, which is why I gave it 4 stars.
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