It takes a few repeat listens (and a forewarned expectation of perpetual mellowness) to appreciate this blend of excellent new-age blend of folk and electronic instrumentation (including a brass section) and a vocal approach that retains its own uniqueness while vaguely reminding you of at least a half-dozen other singers whose names you can't quite place, but Carly Simon and Fiona Apple both come to mind.
Ms. Orton has been dubbed "Chemical Sister", due to her long-time vocal collaborations with the Chemical Brothers, who in fact had a hand in producing this CD, along with Victor Van Vugt and William Orbit. Although she sees this musical project as something to start the day with, I see it appealing more to businesspeople who, after a particularly stressful day, want to unwind a bit - the operative words being "a bit". Although the tracks all stand on their own individually, the unchanging pace can become tedious. It's unfortunate because, if the interest is not sustained long enough, the best track (#8) might be overlooked. It is a beautifully-orchestrated song written by Ryan Adams, whom I admire greatly, called "This One's Gonna Bruise" (a.k.a. "OK"), on which some real emotion is put forward, to go along with the almost but not quite jaded vocal delivery.
This 20-something Audrey Hepburn of the musical world, with her waif-like, supermodel proportions, has attained an early high-profile musical status, especially in the U.K., where she has resided since a teenager, including touring and recording stints with Ben Harper, Dr. John, and most recently with Beck.
This is her fifth CD since 1996, which also includes a compilation disk released in March 2000. In addition to her regular band mates - Ted Barnes (acoustic guitar), Sean Read (keyboards), Ali Friend (bass), and Will Blanchard (drums) - she has gathered an extraordinary group of instrumentalists to further enhance the production on this CD. The extras include Oliver Kraus on cello, Jon Birdsong on trumpet, Vincent Chancey on French horn, Ben Watt (Everything But the Girl) on piano, Matt Johnson on drums and Ted Barnes on acoustic guitar and mandolin. Beth is backed on vocals by Emmylou Harris on "God Song" and by Ryan Adams on "Concrete Sky" (co-written by The Smiths' Johnny Marr). Ryan also contributes on acoustic, electric and slide guitar, piano and bass.
If you can get past the occasional vocal yodeling of Ms. Orton, you should find this CD fairly pleasant, whether you choose to break the day with it or close it off. |
