Originally released in 1997 on the defunct Guardian label, Catie Curtis's second album marked her arrival as one of the most tuneful and perceptive songwriters of the Lilith generation. Matched with producer Roy Bittan of ... more »Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band, Curtis's songs of emotional and spiritual recovery drew on her background as a social worker and, of all things, a drummer. The beat-savvy layers may be handled by session pro Kenny Aronoff and drum programmer George Black--Curtis does supply pizza box percussion on "I Don't Cry Anymore"--but they blend sympathetically with Curtis's percussive guitar work and Bittan's spacious piano- and mandolin-rich production. Along with Triple-A radio hit "Soulfully" (featured in Dawson's Creek), songs like "River Winding" and "Memphis" suggest a witty and wistful narrative ambition that separates her from her acoustic-aimed peers. --Roy Kasten« less
Originally released in 1997 on the defunct Guardian label, Catie Curtis's second album marked her arrival as one of the most tuneful and perceptive songwriters of the Lilith generation. Matched with producer Roy Bittan of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band, Curtis's songs of emotional and spiritual recovery drew on her background as a social worker and, of all things, a drummer. The beat-savvy layers may be handled by session pro Kenny Aronoff and drum programmer George Black--Curtis does supply pizza box percussion on "I Don't Cry Anymore"--but they blend sympathetically with Curtis's percussive guitar work and Bittan's spacious piano- and mandolin-rich production. Along with Triple-A radio hit "Soulfully" (featured in Dawson's Creek), songs like "River Winding" and "Memphis" suggest a witty and wistful narrative ambition that separates her from her acoustic-aimed peers. --Roy Kasten
Absolutely my favourite Catie Curtis album. Lyrically rich and touching.
CD Reviews
So Why Isn't Everyone Listening To Catie?
eurotrashgirl | 06/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Catie Curtis at a music festival in Seattle a couple of years ago. I had no idea who she was, but my boyfriend and I were literally drawn in from the sidelines by her voice and melodies. It was a smallish show (especially compared to the many "bigger" or at least better known acts that were playing that day), and it was outside. As Catie played, the crowd, *literally*, grew bigger and bigger. People stopped what they were doing just to listen to her. She was fantastic. Highlights of her show and of her CD's are the track "Radical," and, "Falling Silent in the Dark," and the wonderful "Soulfully." The two of us were torn between what to buy. We knew we had to get one of her cds because her music was so soulful, so heartfelt, so magnetic, but we didn't know which ones to get. We compromised and got one each. I bought Truth From Lies, and he bought her self-titled, newer cd. I actually think I prefer the self-titled, because it has my favorite tracks, "Soulfully" and "Falling...". "River Winding" is also a great song. For some reason (probably because that's when we got her cds), these songs always remind me of autumn: falling leaves, rain, the smell of smoke, being warm, inside and being alive.From the first few strummings of the guitar on the cd, Catie takes over. She's on, and that's that. She sets a mood all her own. Cozy, introspective, alive, and contemplative. Smart, a little jaded, and taking everything in. And her music is how she lets it all out, cleverly re-worked into an art form she can share.The lyrics in "Soulfully" just rock my world. For example, how can you beat, "Last night you found my house and rang the bell for me/ I didn't know you very well, I didn't know what it would be/ But I felt so close to you in so little time/ Amd when you said goodnight I spilled my glass of wine." I smile every time I hear that. Who doesn't want to pop in a cd and think about those first tender moments of infatuation? I'm truly surprised she hasn't had more exposure. I think people (well, people besides you) are missing out. Enjoy!"
Catie Curtis Will Stir You 'Soulfully'
vanessa brown | lakeland, fl, fl USA | 04/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Catie is one of the most talented singer-songwriters I have heard. With no major label backing, she's made more than a splash-- even past the waves of Lilith-- and has grown in artistry along the way. There's no comparing her to the usual female icons... she has a depth that far outreaches mainstream fluff. Each lyric pulls the listener in and reels emotions out of depths seldom seen. The melodies are equally stirring. Acoustic-based and full of centemplation, EVERY song is a winner on this disc. You won't be disappointed."
Great FEELING music
sally smith | Mustang Ranch, NV | 10/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"when I put this CD on, I know I'm going to cry. it brings me memories and feelings that I don't know how to explain. it's not a sad album, I love it. I guess women just need to cry sometimes, maybe at *that* time of month, or for whatever reason...
the music is soulful, deep, soothing, erotic, comforting. like a good friend putting her arms around you and saying "I understand" and that's what makes me cry.
my dear sweet hubby, Norman, and I have made love to this CD countless times. brings out the passion in me (then I cry) kidding, I don't cry every time - but it puts me in a space that I feel so much. the pain of my friend's death, comes to mind first. the pain of the world, I dunno. have you ever just cried cause something is so beautiful? I have. but then I cry during the National Anthem, at a football game. sniff.. it touches me.
this was the first of Ms Curtis' CD that I listened to. got it by accident really, I only played it, cause it caught my eye. never heard of her. it was about to go into the Goodwill box, boy, glad I rescued it! now, I have most all of her CDs, but this was the first, so, like a girl's first lover, it will always hold a special place for me.