Mazzy Star's debut album is a dreamy blend of folk/pop with hints of blues and a twist of 1960s-style psychedelic rock. What really stands out, though, is Hope Sandoval's remarkable voice, by turns honeyed, strong and plaintive but always pretty damn sexy.
The most successful tracks are those with a more minimal backing to Sandoval's vocals, for example `Ride It On' and `Give You My Loving'. `I'm Sailing' shows a strong blues influence whilst `Ghost Highway' and the title track are rockier numbers. These latter songs are the albums slight weak points, the title track in particular outstays its welcome a little.
The lyrics match Sandoval's vocals beautifully - melancholy tales of absent men and unrequited love are steeped in the atmosphere of America's Deep South.
`She Hangs Brightly' is a lovely record with few faults; as mentioned the best tracks are truly exquisite. Recommended.
The second of Mazzy Star's albums. Gosh, its rather good. Hauntingly beautiful and relaxing.
"I may skip. I may even warp a little.... But I will never, ever crash. I am your friend for life. " -Vinyl. Luxmann PD-151 TT, Hana ML cart, Parasound JC3 Jr, Stax LR-700, Mjolnir Audio KGST, Quad Artera Play+ CDP
This is a beautiful,beautiful record. I e-mailed Peter about the record and whilst speaking highly of it I wanted to know was that himself and Raúl at the tree swing (after having perused the sleeve notes). See the results for yourself below :-) The barn belongs to his Dad and he records some of his stuff there.... The gorgeous painting was done by the label boss Chad Crouch....
PeterK wrote:Hope Sandovals contribution to one of thetracks on the new Massive Attack album is stunning.
Now what's the name of that track? Let me go check as I have the album sitting here beside me! It's 'Paradise Circus'. To tell the truth I was bit underwhelmed when I listened to it this morning.Maybe I'll change my mind later.... BTW Liz Fraser's 'Teardrop' still cuts it for me :)
