Some bands insist on dragging listeners into their world, but Carbon Leaf works towards a more admirable and considerably more difficult goal--that of letting perfect strangers feel that the band understands their world. T... more »he band succeeds in doing just that--and in creating a soundtrack suitable for multiple worlds--on its third Vanguard release, Nothing Rhymes With Woman. Produced by John Morand, who manned the board for their Vanguard debut, Indian Summer, Nothing Rhymes With Woman finds the Virginia-based band firmly in touch with its roots--the Celtic tinge that cloaks "Pink" is reminiscent of Carbon Leaf's passel of self-released discs. Throughout the set, however, the quintet affirms a commitment to moving forward, kicking out the jams a bit more aggressively on the sinewy walking blues "Another Man's Woman" and interpolating the rich organ playing of longtime Dave Matthews Band keyboardist Butch Taylor on several tracks, including the arresting opener "Indecision."« less
Some bands insist on dragging listeners into their world, but Carbon Leaf works towards a more admirable and considerably more difficult goal--that of letting perfect strangers feel that the band understands their world. The band succeeds in doing just that--and in creating a soundtrack suitable for multiple worlds--on its third Vanguard release, Nothing Rhymes With Woman. Produced by John Morand, who manned the board for their Vanguard debut, Indian Summer, Nothing Rhymes With Woman finds the Virginia-based band firmly in touch with its roots--the Celtic tinge that cloaks "Pink" is reminiscent of Carbon Leaf's passel of self-released discs. Throughout the set, however, the quintet affirms a commitment to moving forward, kicking out the jams a bit more aggressively on the sinewy walking blues "Another Man's Woman" and interpolating the rich organ playing of longtime Dave Matthews Band keyboardist Butch Taylor on several tracks, including the arresting opener "Indecision."
"Nothing Rhymes With Woman is, in short, a mediocre effort by a band of enormous potential. I've been a fan of Carbon Leaf for over seven years now but neither this album, nor Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat adequately capture the ingenuity of Carbon Leaf's songwriting genius. One could speculate that this is because of pressures from their mainstream label or the recent departure of two founding members; but whatever the reason, Carbon Leaf's sound isn't what it used to be. I recommend going back to Echo Echo or Ether-Electrified Porch Music for a real taste of what these incredible musicians can do."
Carbon Leaf's Definitive Creative and Artistic Statement
Glen E. Nelson | Harwinton, CT USA | 05/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Three years in the making, "Nothing Rhymes With Woman", is the band's definitive creative and artistic statement. From the iconic image of the burning tree, to the enigmatic title, to the radio ready pop perfection of the single "Miss Hollywood", this is the Carbon Leaf album that we have all been waiting for. Fans of "Echo Echo" and "Indian Summer" will be thrilled and delighted by the blissful musical ear candy that is "NRWW". Barry Privett's wonderfully reminiscent, reflective lyrics and crooning tenor have never sounded better, Carter Gravatt's playful and evocative guitar picking style are in top form, and Terry Clark's driving bed of acoustic guitars and joyful vocal harmonies soar. Jason Neal on drums and Jon Markel on bass provide the perfect rhythmic accompanient. "NRWW" is a heavy set of instant Carbon Leaf classics, worthy of many repeat listenings. Longtime fans will instantly fall in love with "Mexico", "Pink", and "Lake Of Silver Bells", followed soon thereafter by "X-Ray", "Drops Of Rain", and of course the album opener, "Indecision". The band is riding high, and from the sound of things, having a lot of fun along the way. There is a lot to love about this album, and there is a lot to love about Carbon Leaf. They get better and better with every release, and never stop growing and maturing as a band. "NRWW" might just be the album that catapluts them to much deserved and long overdue rockstar status, and garners them a legion of eager new fans. Be sure to catch them on the road this summer is support of this wonderful new record. Nothing Rhymes With Woman, and Nothing Sounds Like Carbon Leaf. See you out there on the road, boys!"
Back to Brillance
blueskies | USA | 07/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After the very disappointing "Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat", I'm thrilled to hear the creativity and musicianship that I have grown to expect from Carbon Leaf. As a long time fan (first saw them in March of 2002) I feel like this album is something they can be proud of again. The lyrics are witty and thoughtful, with none of the awkwardness I saw in LLHR. "Lake of Silver Bells" is a standout, and was the song the audience called for last time I saw them live. I got the distinct feeling watching that show that this was music they were proud of and happy to sing. I'm very happy to listen."
Solid Effort
Hike & Bike | Seaford, VA United States | 10/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Good Carbon Leaf; classic CL sound is in there, sometimes not so obvious. I listened to this album for a week straight-I got to know the music. The first four tracks are outstanding. The big airplay song, "Lake of Silver Bells" is good, but not the best on the album. "What Have You Learned" has a pop-ish sound to it, but it's really good despite the trolls who shun anything remotely familiar. "X-Ray" is a hilarious account of growing up and all the goofy things a kid does, I don't understand the "lawnmowers everywhere" chorus, but I'm sure it's an inside joke. I won't comment on every track, but it's all Good stuff!
Shun the few nay-sayer reviews and support these great musicians, I think you'll like it."