Grant-Lee Phillips Virginia Creeper Genres:Country, Folk, Pop With his third solo release since dissolving Grant Lee Buffalo, one of roots rock's great also-rans, Phillips relishes the relative advantages of the singer-songwriter style. He sketches characters with nuance, tosses off ... more »epigrammatic love songs, dives into painterly rural reveries, traces an obscure Southern myth while banging on a banjo, and offers bittersweet praise to friendship. His voice and melodic knack are all the continuity he needs. That voice, a grainy croon distilled from blue-eyed soul and California country cool, remains a prime attraction. If the tasteful, lissome country-folk backing of steel guitar, fiddle, piano, drums, and harmony vocals from Cindy Wasserman is a tad shy of adventurous, the sound suits the ripe, romantic, and dreamy mood of Phillips's songs. --Roy Kasten« less
With his third solo release since dissolving Grant Lee Buffalo, one of roots rock's great also-rans, Phillips relishes the relative advantages of the singer-songwriter style. He sketches characters with nuance, tosses off epigrammatic love songs, dives into painterly rural reveries, traces an obscure Southern myth while banging on a banjo, and offers bittersweet praise to friendship. His voice and melodic knack are all the continuity he needs. That voice, a grainy croon distilled from blue-eyed soul and California country cool, remains a prime attraction. If the tasteful, lissome country-folk backing of steel guitar, fiddle, piano, drums, and harmony vocals from Cindy Wasserman is a tad shy of adventurous, the sound suits the ripe, romantic, and dreamy mood of Phillips's songs. --Roy Kasten
"That Grant Lee Phillips' solo output has not reached the same legendary indie status of his former band, Grant Lee Buffalo, more than a mystery it's a crime.
"Virginia Creeper," his third solo album, may not be as breathtaking as the hushed "Ladies Love's Oracle" nor as adventurous as "Mobilize," but it is worthy of their company.
Phillips is a remarkable songwriter, capable of the utmost intimacy at the drop of a hat, at ease with creating melodies that, before you know it, can give your thoughts its proper music.
The spare accompaniment here is flawless, mainly gorgeous violin and his acoustic guitar, subtle drums and tasteful piano, and some mandolin and steel guitar which tinge most tunes with Country overtones without lacking a Pop sensibility. Tunes like "Making Memory," "Mona Lisa" or "Always Friends" have exquisite arrangements and remind you of what a great singer Phillips is.
In total, this is an album without low points, more likely the kind where everyone may end up with different new favorites."
Relief from Mainstream Music
Ms. Fitzgerald | California | 09/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had never heard of Grant-Lee Phillips until a few days ago. Now I'm wondering why he isn't more popular. This guy can sing. If you, like me, are tired of mainstream musicians who have little talent but tons of fame, give this CD a try. It's refreshing to find a true musician who hasn't been swept away by media-hype."
You can't go wrong here!
freereign | Ocean of Corn, MN | 07/02/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After listening to some jazz, I put this one in the player, and it instantly impressed me. Grant's voice is smooth and assured, and his lyrics have their own hard-won poetic licence. Sure, some older fans have lamented the lack of change they seem to expect from him, but I have to heartily disagree: The mix of instruments with his voice is so relaxing you'll save on the hot water bill. It's a hot tub soothing mixture to the ears. Let it in, and enjoy!"
Simply Fantastic, Simply Moving
Shonkers | Miami, FL, USA | 02/03/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is not for those looking for a "Rock" album. It IS for those that appreciate Grant-Lee's beautiful voice, music, and lyrics set to an American Folksong flavor, with sprawling violins, banjos, mandolins, piano, and acoustic guitars. Impeccably produced.
A gorgeous album that gets better with repeated listens, it is fast becoming one of my most listened-to albums.