New York State Of Mind - Carmen McRae

Advantages: summit to find for everyone
Disadvantages: some of the album can disappear into the background...but ain't every album guilty of it.

...being new to the Ciao scene thought i'd write my first opinion on an artist and album i'm passionate about. go easy on me, i'm a beginner... First came accross McRaes music at the Dido concert. one man and his guitar really, singing unknown songs. As per when the backup band us unknown the crowd listened attentively for the first track and then chatted merrily through his act, clapping when they should and waiting in haste for the star of the evening to appear. What a waste of a decent act! i was guilty of 'ignoring' this mans talent, opting for beer and merriment whilst waiting for Dido, but his soulful penetrating voice bit my ignoramous self in the ass. he got me and a headed out the next day and bought his album... WOW! (and i don't use this word lightly!) got me he did, and happily i stayed! This man is only 24, where the hell did... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great Music
Disadvantages: None!

...I've had this album since it came out in 2003, but it is one I always go back to. I bought it after I saw him live in Wolverhampton, and although the live concert was fantastic, and studio recordings sometimes a dissapointment after a great gig, this CD is top quality, and I really enjoy listening to it. Some of the lyrics are quite dark; for example one of the tracks is about the holocaust, and so this isn't exactly feel good music! Tom McRae is a singer songwriter, and I would describe his style as primarily acoustic, with the focus being mainly on the lyrics. Comparable to Radiohead, and maybe Tom Waits, but more chilled than either of them, Nick Drake also comes to mind. This is his debut album, and in my opinion, his finest work. The look and feel of the album is simple; the insert has a black and white photo of Tom's face... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great stuff
Disadvantages: Hearts breaking can be messy and depressing

...guitar with light cymbals, with Beckesque lyrics, but less funky and more filled with self doubt. Plods along like old horse, a quirky old horse, who is one carrot short of a vegetable patch. Has one of my favourite lines in it. Bless. ' As a man I ain't never been much for sunny days/ I'm as calm as a fruit stand in New York and maybe as strange' 9. Come Pick Me Up (vocals with Kim Richey Co- Written with Van Alston) I will try not to gush too much, but I think it might be too late for that. This is the track that brought Mr Adams et al into my life. Harmonica opens with slow beat and some of the most gorgeous examples of how love can simply fuck your head up, but make your soul feel so alive you can't resist I have spent far too much of my life with this feeling. An unhealthy song with the beauty of a decaying flower. The harmonies melt... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful