Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My initial fears were that Natalie Merchant's new independently released folk album might be too "folksy" -- my expression for some music that can sound too dry, too unimaginative, or too old fashioned. But those concerns evaporated within a few seconds of hearing the playful fiddle of Judy Hyman dancing out of the speakers on the first track. Fifty minutes later, I knew I had another CD that would make its home in the pile near the CD player rather than in the proper shelves that are rarely consulted.
Of course, the centerpiece of this 11-song collection is Ms. Merchant's warm, round voice -- only now it is stripped of the polished and comparatively intrusive pop production qualities often evident in her recent mainstream releases. I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Merchant's previous work, going way back to 10,000 Maniacs and though Tigerlilly, Ophelia, and Motherland. But this CD is Ms. Merchant made plain to see and, as a result, a joy to listen to.
The song selection is the other key element to this collection, and even for folks who aren't so familiar with some the story behind these songs (like me), the well-written liner notes help to compensate. The arrangements themselves are intelligent and understated, and music is top-notch while staying in its proper supporting role.
The last selling point of this CD is the attractive package it comes in: a limited edition version that includes a smart booklet that, among other things, explains Ms. Merchant's view that folk music is simply something "universally loved and understood" that will "endure the test of time ... because it has made itself useful to so many of us." By that standard, the House Carpenter's Daughter is far more "folksy" that I initially feared -- and thank goodness for that.
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