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Femm Musique NEW REVIEW ON CAROLYN CURRIE! In May 1996, Carolyn Curries CD, No Heroes was reviewed by Jessie Shires in the last issue of femme musique. This is part of that review. This album is perfect Sunday afternoon or late, late night music. It deserves more attention than most  this is not background music. I suggest clearing your schedule and devoting yourself to listening. Be prepared to experience insight, reflection, humor, and beauty. Curries distinctive voice weaves through your thoughts, binding itself permanently to the fabric of your brain. Her music has a cool, layered sound and is utterly spell-binding. Just try to concentrate on something else, I dare you. Its quite impossible to not give your full attention to Currie; her enchanting voice, music, and exceptional lyrics simply will not allow it. I contacted Carolyn through her website and asked if she could send me her latest album, thinking I would try to figure out how her music has progressed. Bless her heart, if she didnt send me copies of all four of her CDs! Its taken awhile for me to go through all of them. I knew I enjoyed No Heroes, but its familiar to me. You know what I mean, you are in a particular mood and put the CD in, knowing the songs will complement or affirm what youre feeling. I went through Standing Stones, which has a decided Celtic influence, then on to Kiss of Ghosts. Curries writing has retained its intelligent, insightful tone. Her child-like, sweet voice has matured and gained confidence, while continuing to evoke a certain wistful longing for understanding. Then I came to Waves of Silence, her latest venture. In her introduction to the album, she writes, When I left the Northwest five years ago, I think somewhere in the back of my mind was the fear that my muse would cross her arms over her chest and say, No way, Im not going back to New England  youre on your own. Maybe its just that I am an East Coast kind of person, but I think this album is Curries best. From the topical Rain, a mothers lament for her childrens mental safety in response to news from Iraq, to the timeless plea of a woman waiting for the safe return of her sea-faring mate in Ahabs Wife, Currie doesnt disappoint. Kaleidoscope reminds me of one of my dear friends, who cant seem to stay in one place; Rolling Thunder describes a friends brother, a veteran battling the effects, mental and physical of having served in Viet Nam. There are Curries versions of love songs, which seem to include a bit of disillusionment, and, one of my favorites, Dont Run with Scissors, an affirmation of talent and courage. I say, Im scared of falling You say, But you can fly. All told, Waves of Silence is a joy. Currie knows how to wring the truth from some of lifes small moments, as well as shine a light on hidden fears. The production is simple, doesnt distract from her clear, tremulous voice. She and her co-producer, David Lange have worked together on all of her albums, and their mutual trust is evident. If you enjoy intelligent ballads, youll love Carolyn Currie. Discography: No Heroes 1994 Alta Vista Records Standing Stones 1998 Whistling Pig Records Kiss of Ghosts 2004 North C Records Waves of Silence 2009 High Horse Records http://carolyncurrie.com/ www.myspace.com/carolyncurrie http://www.highhorserecords.com/

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