The Basics: Produced by Janis Ian. Musicians: Jim Brock, Janis Ian, Viktor Krauss, Carson Whitsett and a cast of friends who can't sing in tune. Inside Scoop: First album since "Restless Eyes" with no co-writes, "FINB" ... more »is a return to Janis' folk roots. However, this is not a lighthearted nostalgia trip, but instead a true folk album: sparse but tasteful instrumentation underneath powerful lyrics of social and political social commentary, with enough variety to keep the listener beguiled. A must have.« less
The Basics: Produced by Janis Ian. Musicians: Jim Brock, Janis Ian, Viktor Krauss, Carson Whitsett and a cast of friends who can't sing in tune. Inside Scoop: First album since "Restless Eyes" with no co-writes, "FINB" is a return to Janis' folk roots. However, this is not a lighthearted nostalgia trip, but instead a true folk album: sparse but tasteful instrumentation underneath powerful lyrics of social and political social commentary, with enough variety to keep the listener beguiled. A must have.
"I'm very excited to introduce Janis Ian's brand new CD, "Folk is the New Black", released February 21, 2006. It's absolutely wonderful, a perfect blend of sounds, folk, of course, but it also has some jazz, blues, and controversy, which Janis does best. There are also three very funny songs, my favorite being "My Autobiography". The most beautiful and memorable songs on the CD are: "All those Promises", "Home is the Heart" and "Joy", with "The Last Train" coming in at a close fourth. But, that's just my opinion. Add this breathtaking CD to your Janis Ian collection and decide for yourself. An added plus: if you enjoyed the tunes from the "Unreleased" series, two of the song selections will ring very familiar! I wouldn't be at all surprised if this well crafted album ends up a grammy contender for 2006! I think it should win!
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Janis Ian is Music Royalty!
Rickster | New York | 02/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been listening to Janis Ian since the late 60's and have just about everything she has done. Janis's new cd "Folk is the new Black" is her finest work yet. Janis has proven time and time again that she is truly a great American singer/songwriter legend. The cd has a wonderful blend of folk ballads, and upbeat songs. A few of my favorites are "The Great Divide" (reminiscent of Woody Guthrie), "Standing in the Shadows of Love" (Funky Guitar work),"Life is never wrong" (Very catchey Phrasing),"All those Promises",and "Home is the Heart" (Two wonderful ballads). Every song on Janis's cd is beyond my expectations,wonderfully thought-out phrasing,writing,singing and guitar work. This cd is a must have for all collectors! Janis Ian is truly an inspirational artist and troubadour who continues to write vital music for our times!"
A Genuine Gem
GEMINI | NEW JERSEY | 02/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Folk is The New Black.......There is no "new" news that Janis Ian has been around the music industry forever.I can attest to that, being a fan for over 30 years."Folk is The New Black" is her latest cd, released February 21,2006.Slip this cd into your player and let Janis take you ona wonderful journey of 15 songs.Songs like"The Great Divide" dealing with the have's and have nots. "Jackie Skates" gives you the feel of the freeway, much like "Jolene" on God and The FBI gives you the feel and flavor of the streets.Your heart can break with "All Those Promises", a song about lies and deception. Yet, before that happens she'll have you chuckling at "Crockodile Song." "Home is The Heart" will definitely reach out to yours and "Joy" is exactly what it is titled. Her tongue in cheek song is "My Autobiography", clearly exemplifying the humor in Ian's writing sometimes overlooked. This cd is bursting with diversity - it tugs at your heartstrings - it tickles your funnybone. Buy this cd for yourself, your friends and pass it on for the generations to come. Janis Ian has once again honed her craft and this listener is thankful for that."
OH YES!!
Dar | Oakland, CA | 02/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The latest offering from this songwriting legend includes a fabulous mix of styles with something for just about everyone. Keep the tissues handy for 'All Those Promises' and be ready to laugh out loud for 'My Autobiography'. 'Standing in the Shadow of Love' should be played on every radio station. The sentiment is lovely and true and the tune is catchy as well. Old fans will not be disappointed and those new to Janis will be wondering how they missed her all this time.
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Janis does it again!
Acie Workman | Mansfield, Ohio United States | 02/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As I listened (and listened and re-listened) to FINB I am totally awestruck by the lyrics, the tones, the music, the deliverance of the thoughts and poetry. I feel that Janis has finally come home (Not to discount or minimize any of Janis's previous works). I once again had that feeling as I had back in my teens. The feeling that Janis is singing to me not at me; she knows my heart and is telling what it is saying; she is listening to me without me speaking yet she can tell me what I need to hear. She tells me that even though the government is corrupt and that life can suck, there is still beauty, love, laughter and compassion. Janis's music pulled me through and out of some pretty horrible situations while growing up, (she will never truly know) because the feelings are not in words but in feelings. She has saved my sanity and my life too many times to count or dare to remember. It was with her thoughts that I went in Social Work. I could not be musical (lord knows I tried) but I could spread the message in a different way.
"Aftertones" and "Between the Lines" were my constant companions. When everyone and all else failed me she was there to get me through it. I do not remember how many needles I had to replace and how worn those albums must have become. Now To hear FINB I am so pleased to hear her from my heart once again. The voice and music has gotten even better (how is this possible?). But no matter what, she touches a part in all of us that no other singer can, and makes us grateful that we live in the same time as she and can actually see in person and have that heart to heart conversation she has with each and every one of us as we sit in awe!