Reviewed By Larry Milnes
I noticed in a review in the previous Hear Ye that the reviewer
closed with the postscript "If you love music don’t flog it
off the net" and while I agree with this, a positive by-product
of this digital technology is that CDs seem to be being produced
with fewer 'filler' tracks. It’s given the music industry a
much needed shake up and stronger albums seem to be a result.
This must make it harder for artists who don’t have a lot
of material, but in the case of Over the Rhine this doesn’t
seem to be a problem. The husband and wife team of Karin
Bergquist and Linford Detweiler have written 20 of the 21 fine
songs on offer here.
I’ve had this CD on high rotation now for a few months and
it seems to grow with each playing. The general feel is alt
country deeply infused with gospel. The songs are lyrically
strong, diverse in style and instrumentation, ranging freely
across the Ohio landscape from the stripped down piano/vocal of
the title track, to 12/8 blues of “Fool” and on to
the funked up groove of “Fool Number One”. Truly
music for the mind, body and soul.
Karin Bergquist’s voice is a fine instrument with a wide
range and full tone. This is augmented but not overpowered by
guitars, keys, piano, bass, drums and tasty but not overdone
pedal steel guitar – all used in various combinations.
This album was released in 2003 so no doubt many of you are
enjoying it already. If not, give it a whirl and see what you
think.
Good listening and listen good.