"For this second album Shetlands chanteuse Astrid Williamson left for New Orleans and producer Malcolm Burn, who fashioned a driving, synth-oriented sound not unlike his work for Sinead Lohan (No Mermaid.) I have mixed feelings about this approach, not least because her Goya Dress bandmates are largely reduced to session musicians, but Astrid is so fearless both lyrically and vocally that such considerations merit only a cursory mention. For the album's highlight, Someone, Burn conjures up a rain-drenched atmosphere that frames Astrid's song of devotion perfectly.The reward for her efforts was bittersweet: a smattering of critical acclaim, disappointing record sales and the loss of her record deal. Lately she's been seen playing around Brighton, and her name has been usurped by a pop band from her native Scotland. This is hardly the profile of an artist on the ascendant but on the evidence here Astrid is not to be counted out. Indeed, together with her old band's album 'Rooms' there is a case to be made that Williamson is the greatest female singer/songwriter to emerge in the 90s, one whose reputation amongst her contemporaries can only continue to improve."
A top class album, to be sure
Anthony Newman (eciton@barrysworld. | Windsor, England | 08/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, where to begin. I suppose I'll keep it short, no-one wants to read 1000 words, do they? :)This album is great. Breezy and poppy in places, with strong melodies, individual songs, cutting lyrics, great production, and the best thing of all: Astrid's voice. It has its own character- very distinctive, and eminently listenable. The album ranges in subject and style, some tracks being quite dark in content while others are bright. The secret track is probably my favourite- it's a very personal song, just Astrid and her piano. It's a wistful song, and the emotion is tangible.The album itself isn't huge (certainly nowhere near Alanis' last epic!), but there is enough substance there to provide great value. There are good sleeve notes, a great cover, and now there is a fan web presence too. Basically, this is a great album. Check my page for a load of reviews, if I don't sway you. Following me should be a load more reviews- they should sway you too :)Thanks for reading, I hope you buy the album."
Good music lives on
Lyndon Gray (dindon@aol.com) | Manchester England | 10/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You don't need a thousand words to review this album, its great full of all the elements of great music. I actually spent a a little time with Astrid at school back in the eightys, she hasn't changed she looks the same,amazing. What can you say about this album, its the inspiration to get out of bed in the morning, when you listen you begin to wish that you to had, had a career in music because its a beautiful creation. Occasional some albums stay with you forever, this is one of them. All the best Astrid"
Seek Out This Lovely Album!
chilke | Troy, MT United States | 01/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can give this 5 stars in spite of disliking the first track which is too faddish and cluttered and busy for my tastes. The same song, done acoustically on one of her singles, is a nice song. Probably too much producer influence.(Reminds me of Alannis' Ballard produced stuff) The rest of the cd is just perfect from my listening post. Some may hear echoes of Joni Mitchell, others, Joan Baez. I am fond of alternative country, and a track on here is as good as it gets. I wish Astrid would do an entire alternative country album. There are some splendid pop gems on here, too. The crowning glory is the heartbreaking and beautiful bonus track. If that tune, possibly titled "No Words", and the track "World At Your Feet" don't make you misty-eyed, you're probably a sociopath. Exceptional booklet with cd."
Solo debut from Ex-Goya Dress Astrid Williamson
04/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Radiant 1998 album from Shetland Islands born Astrid Williamson (ex-Goya Dress). Produced by Malcolm Burn (Bob Dylan, Lisa Germano, Sinead Lohan, etc...). Four star reviews in Q and Mojo and rave revues from the normaly acerbic UK press. Work with Tara MacLean, Electronic, Stereophoncs and 4AD's The Hope Blister as well as tours with Aztec Camera/Roddy Frame, Eddi Reader, Aimee Mann, Neil Finn have firmly established the quixotic Astrid in the UK. 'If I Loved You' was used extensivly in Bill Forsyth's film 'Gregory's Two Girls' and Abra Moore recorded a version as well which was used in the Liz Hurley film 'Serving Sara'. Highly reccomended!!!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
