Click here for home page

Click here



Contact Us | Customer Information | Privacy Policy | Audio Help

Explore
Main Menu
Submit a review
Album Reviews
Book Reviews
DVD Reviews
Sign up for newsletter
Interviews
Links
Get Your EMail Address
Submit your website
Two for the folkies...

Dar Williams

Recently released by Silverline, on the sexy DVD-A format, Dar Williams two most recent studio albums.

Now, with a name like Dar Williams you could be forgiven for thinking she might be of Welsh descent. But no, Dar’s a New Yorker and a singer songwriter with a folk background and sitting comfortably into the Joni Mitchell, Suzanne Vega camp.

The Green World (2001) is a gentle album recorded in Woodstock and New York. Producer Stewart Lerman captures the performance beautifully and Dar and her supporting cast are on top form.

Her basic style is one of folk based storytelling with a voice pure and poignant throughout. Nice. And you can’t argue with the quality control. ***

Dar Williams

The Beauty Of The Rain (2003) sees an expanded supporting line up including the likes of Alison Krauss, from John Popper from Blues Traveler (whose vocals sound like early Cat Stevens) and Stefan Lessard from the Dave Matthews Band. And as a result it’s a more mainstream attempt, opening with Mercy Of The Fallen written in part, in Chester - maybe there is a Welsh blood there?

Throughout, the album has a more upbeat delivery and a fuller sound. And while the folk roots still surface time-to-time, Dar’s vocals and the overall sound are heavily reminiscent of early Sarah McLachlan recordings. ***

So, both decent albums, both pleasant on the ear, but for my taste a little one paced. If folk (and related) is your thing and your collection is packed with McLachlan, Mitchell, Vega and the like then these are probably right up your street. On the other hand if you like it a bit more raunchy (like me), then these albums never really ‘rock out’ at any point.

Extras include photos, lyrics, weblinks and a tour rehearsal video (on The Green World).

Finally, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I’m still not convinced by the DVD-A format. The sound is wonderful, yes, but the extras are generally limited, the visuals not really worth turning the TV on for and you can’t play the buggers in your Walkman or car. Give me a CD every time (unless you a real hi-fi freak).

Website

Review by Pete Whalley

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly


Featured Artists
Artist Archive
Featured Labels
Label Archive
Do you want to appear here?

get ready to rock is a division of hotdigitsnewmedia group