Elin Ruth - Elin Ruth

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...Olive rose to minor fame with their single "You're Not Alone" but the well titled "Extra Virgin" is also worth a listen. The lyrics may be nothing to shout about but vocalist Ruth-Ann's voice is nice enough and the dance tunes have a certain oceanic quality. The beats are soft, flowing and echoing sound effects help create a sense of depth. Although there's not much variety there is a touch of jazz throughout and the album is certainly relaxing. As well as "You're Not Alone" other promising tracks are "Miracle", "Blood Red Tears" and "I Don't Think So". The best track however is "Muted" a deep watery instrumental. Hardly groundbreaking stuff but I like it.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Piratical humour, songs, dance; A great operetta, good to see it re-released
Disadvantages: None

..., the music hall, the military band and the brass band. THE PLOT The opera opens on a beach in Cornwall. Frederic has just reached the age of twenty one. By mistake when he was a boy, his Nanny (Ruth) apprenticed him to become a pirate (instead of a pilot). Now Frederic can be leave the pirate band and swears that he will do his utmost to destroy them. The Pirate King notes that they are not bad and rarely plunder anyone. This is because everyone they attack pleads that they are orphans – and as the pirates are orphans themselves, they cannot harm their victims! Apart from Ruth (now 47), Frederic has never seen a woman. Ruth tells him that she is pretty but Frederic espies a troupe of girls who turn out to be the daughters of Major-General Stanley. He spurns Ruth and falls in love with Mabel. The pirates lay siege to the girls and demand... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Shows all the Zappa Family traits
Disadvantages: Not as good as dad yet

...and melodies, with the quirky lyrics helping it along. Highlights on here range from the musically wonderful Rubberband (Which DZ dedicates to Frank - "the only person who could tap his foot to this") to the strange and somewhat disturbing "Mommy". "Dreaming" would have been a hit for many a bigger band - a beautiful ballad; and just the titles "Kidz Cereal" and "Did I mention it was huge" give you a good impression of the lighter side of the album. Variety was a trademark of FZ's work. Compared to most of his albums, this is a little less widely based as all the tracks use pretty much a standard rock band set up - probably not a percussionist in sight (where's ruth underwood when you need her?); and so falls behind dad's work. However, compared to the limited scope of most "commercial" releases this expands a listeners experiences... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful