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 Talent Overcomes Weak Material Mar 01, 2009
Maybe I would be more excited by this album had I not heard later and better Shivaree albums first, because it is only on the strength of those that I came to this ponderously-titled piece of work. Yet Ambrosia Parsley's waxing talent is evident even here where she and her band master and overcome much weaker material.
The best that can be said for this is that the music is interesting and that's a whole lot more than can be said about most of the dreck that is played on commercial radio today.
The gem of course is Goodnight Moon which was popularized by having been heard on the widely-seen film Kill Bill. It's an easy song to like and Parsley's voice just drips with a sex appeal that was bound to get her noticed. But there are a few lesser songs where she shines as well. In my opinion, Bossa Nova and Daring Lousy Guy are the kind of quirky songs to which she is perfectly suited. Then there is the sultry, smoky I Don't Care which is delivered with the panache of a veteran lounge singer. And those whose tastes lean toward R&B will be delighted with Pimp.
I notice that there were a number of reviewers who did not care for this at all beyond Goodnight Moon. I hope they give Shivaree another chance and listen to some of the band's later efforts, particularly the excellent Who's Got Trouble. After listening to more of what Parsley is capable of, they may return to this with greater appreciation for her talent.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 glad I didn't pay much for this Sep 16, 2007
Well, I mainly bought this cd for "Goodnight Moon", which is the ending credit's song in Kill Bill 2. I love that song, but wow the rest of this cd is terrible.
 I am on a string and you can lead me anywhere Jun 28, 2007
Shivaree is what more pop should sound like -- an embittered torch singer who secretly dreams of experimental electrofolk. This odd trio debuted with "I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump," whose title gives you a hint about what their eerie fusion ballads and alt-rock sound like.
It opens on a deliciously sick note with "Cannibal King," which is basically some wobbling keyboard, and Ambrosia Parsley singing, "The cannibal king with the big nose ring/Fell in love with a sweet young maid/And every night by the pale moonlight/This is what you'll hear him say..." Well, that's not very sick, but Ambrosia makes a loud yummy sound at the end.
The actual music starts with "Bossa Nova," a little alt-countryish song peppered with samples and clashes of synth. And, of course, a girl's incisive breakup with her guy ("I'm never talking to you again/I'll go join the marines/And then I will peacefully sail away with some safe magazines!"). Then we get the deliciously jagged electropop of "Daring Lousy Guy."
From there on, Shivaree experiments with variations of the fusion music: the electronica-riddled piano songs, jazzy little ballads, mournful alt-rocky laments, funky tunes about "a back stabbing Hollywood pimp," and the exquisitely soulful "Goodnight Moon." But things mellow out somewhat in the last trio of songs, which include a cynically romantic ballad, a wistful acoustic melody, and finally the "Arrivederci."
Shivaree have grown and changed over the years, but their debut album is still a pretty solid listen -- they take your basic folky-rocky-countryish melodies, and weave in some electropop and jazz. And they've got some truly wicked, incisive songwriting, as if the title didn't tip you off.
The band manages soft and poppy songs with equal alacrity: solid riffs, great drumming, and some gentle interweaving of piano melodies and acoustic guitar. And of course, lots and lots of synth -- blippy, funky, and shimmering soft canopies of shivering sound. Danny McGough isn't quite perfect, though -- Shivaree has a tendency to cram synthy tangles into any quieter spots between vocals.
But Parsley takes center stage, with the voice and attitude of a world-weary torch singer -- throaty and hostile, with a jaded view of romance and the world. She sings of free spirits, abusive boyfriends ("Your throat is going to be exploded/and I'm still being shy!"), fear of the dark, and nasty entertainment bosses. "Something's under the bed/Now it's out in the hedge/There's a big black crow sitting on my window ledge/And I hear something scratching through the wall..."
Shivaree started off remarkably strong in their debut album "I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump," which lives up to its name -- bitter, beautiful, and wickedly funny.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Goodnight Moon May 14, 2006
Love Ambrosia Parsley's singing voice. Haunting in some ways, smooth, soothing... It seems, though, about the only winner is tune #7, Goodnight Moon, on this CD. This won't stop me from buying something else by this group, or by Ambrosia, should she venture out on her own.
Was it worth buying this CD? For me, yes. Absolutely. Can't get enough of Goodnight Moon; also, this seems to be the type of album one has to play a few times to truly appreciate the music.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Shivaree throws one heck of a party! Jan 29, 2006
I liked this CD - it's out of the rut. These aren't people playing to whatever the fickleness of commercialism dictates for the minute, these are folks playing what they want. Hence the music is a bit quirky with the opening an old standard. Overall, I found the CD quite haunting- lots of shivers running up and down my spine. It's also well done- you won't be disappointed if you give it a more serious listen.
On the downside- well, I found some tracks stronger than others- I'd characterize this CD as a bit uneven. But that's a small price to pay for something that you're not going to hear on commercial radio.
Sam B.
Stamford, CT
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