Though Eleni Mandell has drawn comparisons to P.J. Harvey, Rickie Lee Jones, and Tom Waits (whose pal, longtime Hollywood club fixture Chuck E. Weiss, helped mentor her career), the young L.A. chanteuse has cut her own dis... more »tinctive musical swath. After several forays into emotive cabaret, Mandell abruptly turned to traditional country for inspiration in 2003, winning accolades as the LA Weekly's "songwriter of the year" in the bargain. Though more of the same might have been expected in the wake of that success, the singer instead boldly strips her often blues-inspired music down to its compelling, roots-bare core here. The potent combo of Mandell's dusky voice and producer/lead sideman Joshua Grange's guitar impart a rare, intimate presence to the singer's stirring romantic quests and imbroglios. It's less-as-more, boldly up close and personal. Mandell's voice simmers seductively through standouts like the lament "Can't You See I'm Soulful" and the daydream "Suns Always Shining" before boiling over with Chrissie Hynde sass on "Easy On Your Way Out" and the sexually playful "Dangerous." Powered by timeless romantic themes and a lean evocation of American country and blues, it's an Afternoon well spent. --Jerry McCulley« less
Though Eleni Mandell has drawn comparisons to P.J. Harvey, Rickie Lee Jones, and Tom Waits (whose pal, longtime Hollywood club fixture Chuck E. Weiss, helped mentor her career), the young L.A. chanteuse has cut her own distinctive musical swath. After several forays into emotive cabaret, Mandell abruptly turned to traditional country for inspiration in 2003, winning accolades as the LA Weekly's "songwriter of the year" in the bargain. Though more of the same might have been expected in the wake of that success, the singer instead boldly strips her often blues-inspired music down to its compelling, roots-bare core here. The potent combo of Mandell's dusky voice and producer/lead sideman Joshua Grange's guitar impart a rare, intimate presence to the singer's stirring romantic quests and imbroglios. It's less-as-more, boldly up close and personal. Mandell's voice simmers seductively through standouts like the lament "Can't You See I'm Soulful" and the daydream "Suns Always Shining" before boiling over with Chrissie Hynde sass on "Easy On Your Way Out" and the sexually playful "Dangerous." Powered by timeless romantic themes and a lean evocation of American country and blues, it's an Afternoon well spent. --Jerry McCulley
"I don't understand why Eleni Mandell doesn't have a bigger following by now. This is her fifth album, all of her albums are great, and yet she doesn't seem to cause much of a stir.Oh well. It's still a great album. Feels like music to go on a road trip to. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she came up with all these songs while on the road touring. Hopefully, the album'll give her some much needed attention."
Eleni just keeps getting better
07/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I discovered Eleni just last year after reading an article about her at Slate.com. Since then I've picked up every album she has released and each & everyone is fantastic. Got "Afternoon" as soon as I heard it was out and it's just fabulous - a return to a rock record after the country album "Country for True Lovers" and a jazz EP "Maybe, Yes". There is some country on "Afternoon" ("County Line") and some of the other songs have a country-tinge to them. In some ways it is her most accessible album yet. It took me a while to really get into, say, "Snakebite" but I fell in love with this record immediately. Stand out tracks include: "Say Goodbye", "Just a Dream" and "Dangerous". Like her other albums, this record has great depth and other songs are now battling for my favorite ("American Boy", "Can't You See I'm Soulful"). You don't have to worry about buying this record and there only being 1 or 2 good songs. She is a great, great songwriter with a voice like no one else around today. Plus I think her backing band on this record is just stellar, the guitarist in particular.I too am surprised she is not more well known given how fantastic her music is. I'm doing my best to get everyone I know to check her out and it was great to see a review in the "Washington Post". I don't expect her to be some big star but I'm surprised she gets no radio airplay even on adult alternative stations where she should be a natural. Would love to see her live sometime but she never seems to come my way."
Eleni's Afternoon is another smash!
Adam Robinson | Portland, OR, U.S.A. | 06/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Afternoon, the newest album by Eleni Mandell, is excellent. A+. Anyone who digs great lyrics, attitude, and a torch song feel needs each album in her catalog. Her feel is so organic and real. She writes about lost love, cheating, and the dark side of town. Her live performance is also stunning. She is geniunely nice, modest, and deserves each piece of praise the receives. There are lots of Tom Waits-esque feels rhythmically in her catalog of material, which is great and refreshing. She's the gutsiest female artist I've ever heard. U should hear her too. Afternoon, the newest installment by Eleni Mandell, requires your attention immediately."
Sweet, Soothing, Sensual and Naughty
Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 12/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
""It's true you know
I always wanted you to drag me from this paradise
so we could freeze together in the snow..." ~Let's Drive Away
Eleni Mandell reminds me of a female Freedy Johnston in the way she tells stories. She explores emotions within the context of reckless abandon, loss, creative escapes and finding the perfect relationship, only to see it dissolve before her eyes.
Her creative lyrics and introspective moods mingle with her edgy voice, creating a soothing comfort in a relaxing world that never leaves you lonely. Eleni Mandell's music is like talking to a friend who loves especially honest contemplations. The lyrics in "Dangerous" are especially sensual and poetic.
"I know that poison can be fatal
and I think you are dangerous."
Oh, the things this woman can do with her voice! She's a little a naughty, but very nice to the point of soothing comfort. Afternoon is the perfect album for a lazy afternoon dreaming about where you'd rather be. Like in a warm place on vacation, floating in an azure sea.