You've given WHAT on couches?! (Angels And Cigarettes - Eliza Carthy)

Member Name: chrispitts

Product:	Angels And Cigarettes - Eliza Carthy
Date:	09/12/02 (162 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Experimental, Folk-acoustic, Memorable lyrics

Disadvantages: Maybe too experimental...

Eliza Carthy, it's fair to say, is not a particularly well-known artist. Unless you happen to be into traditional folk music (she comes from one of the best-respected folk music "families"). And it's also fair to say that not everyone will like this CD. But I'd encourage everyone to at least give it a try.

Eliza is known for her blue hair and her fiddle-playing. She's also known for traditional folk singing, so this album came out of the blue (if you'll excuse the pun). Yes, it's still a bit folky, and, quite frankly, some of it is a bit weird, but if you relate to the music at all, you'll find it to be quite moving, in a funny sort of way.

The songs vary from the sublimely simple to the more classic "pop" style, mixing in ambient synthesisers and, occasionally, full orchestral scores. I've heard it described as "folk plus plus", which seems to sum it up nicely. Generally, the music is gentle (notable exceptions including "Beautiful Girl"), but the lyrics are anything but.

Eliza, a good ol' Yorkshire Lass, lets her accent shine through in a similar way to Cerys from Catatonia - you are in no doubt where she comes from. This may affect your listening pleasure in different ways - some might be driven mad, others will find it rather... um... endearing.(?).

Topics range from offering sexual favours in order to gain affection from men, to the "beautiful people" featured in the media these days. She also covers Paul Wellar's "Wild Wood" in a very competent way, although many would, no doubt, prefer the original. I've also heard criticism of the heavy string backing on "In the Company of Men" - personally, I feel this is an ambitious track, which she carries off well, and is one of my personal highlights.

Be aware though, although gentle, this is by no means an "Easy Listening" album. It draws the listener
in, forcing them to consider the lyrics, and the subtle violin solos. I have to admit I was unsure about the album for the first couple of plays, but after that, you find yourself coming back for more. And some of it is wrist-cuttingly miserable. But Eliza has cleverly interspersed all this desperate misery with upbeat songs of hope and happiness - which initially hit you like a sledgehammer, but significantly lift your mood, ready for the assault of the next track!

I think anyone listening to this album would need to have at least some appreciation for folk music to really enjoy it, but the album fuses so many different styles and instruments, that there should be something for everyone.

Oh, and with regards to my title - don't play "In the Company of Men" in the company of small children - there's a rude word in there.

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