18 Carat Garbage...more like 24 Carat Gold
B. Ogden | Kennedy, Alabama | 11/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Upon my first listen of this album, I was amazed that BRM could produce something that could top her stellar debut album, Deadline For My Memories. She definitely eclipsed that effort & then some with this incredible masterpiece. This is one of those rare albums that works as a whole body of work. Each individual track can also stand on its own. Anyone Who Had A Heartache sounds like it could be on any of Aretha's classic 60's albums. The title track is a vocal throwdown with Ann Peebles & they really feed off each other. Where Fools Rush In is a heavily Motown-influenced track & is simply beautiful. I've Never Been To Memphis wouldn't sound out of place on country stations. Ten Minutes On A Tuesday Afternoon In Buffalo is a gospel-inflected tour-de-force. Hello, Hold On! features some of BRM's best wailing & wittiest lyrics. Systems Of Silence features more of BRM's creative wordplay. Her cover of Elton John's Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters is a hidden bonus track that is simply sublime. You can't go wrong with this album. Every track is absolutely amazing. BRM has really laid herself out there vocally, lyrically & emotionally. In a perfect world, this would be a #1 chart smash."
Spectacular piece of work!
J. Ahern | Gainesville, FL United States | 12/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's such a shame that this wasn't released in the US domestically, but then again, in a world where mediocre-talented teenage pop divas (errrm...Lindsay Lohan and Ashlee Simpson) are getting their million dollar contracts, would Americans appreciate Billie Ray Martin and her album '18 Carat Garbage'?? Probably not, and it's too bad, cuz she is very much underrated as an artist.
I know this artist from her main house hits "Your Loving Arms" (1996) and "Honey" (2000-01 I'm not real sure). But then I found this album on iTunes for $9.99......this is by far the most eclectic album I've heard in years. Along with that unmistakeably soulful blues voice, she intends to infuse electronica/drum-n-bass with motown/'Elvis' rock/and some elements of country. It's an odd mix but it definitely works.
Stand out tracks are 'Captain Drag'...it's a slower paced electronica song with elements of motown. She's really in touch with her gay side (if there is one). 'Crime of Passion' is a fast-paced drum-n-bass track- highly recommmended. Then, there are some tracks that are not 'dance' at all; for instance, like '18 Carat Garbage', 'Ten Minutes on a Tues Afternoon in Buffalo', and 'Legends that Die.' These tracks have more of a 'country blues-ish' feel to them, it's interesting to hear the transition she makes from one genre to the other, and she pulls it off nicely. All the tracks are pretty good in their own way....just listen to the whole album with an open mind, as someone like BRM is easy to dismiss as she's not a mainstream artist with a familiar history of hits.
I only wish I had the physical copy so I could see if lyrics are in there. I guess physical albums (as opposed to digital downloads) are still good for some things, but I saved about $30 on the iTunes copy."
Billie rules my music world
Paul K | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 09/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My first exposure to Billie Ray Martin was on a compilation cd a number of years ago. Since that time I track down every piece of music that she produces. She has expanded my musical horizons from dance/electronica to soul, r&b, and blues type sounds.She can do no wrong! She has an amazing voice that gives me goose bumps. Whenever I pop her music into the deck people's ears perk up and want to hear more.She pours alot of passion and energy into her songs. I've heard her perform the title track live on the radio. It was just her and a piano. It blew me away. That is the true test of an artist! Her music is complex and will guarantee you years of listening pleasure."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1