"I found out about Jill Tracy while trying to find some new music to listen to. After listening to a few of her songs I was able to find online, I bought the album. I was not disappointed.
Jill Tracy has a voice like smoke in a San Francisco bar; a reminder of a different era. Her piano work is the perfect companion, and the "Malcontents" help complete the wonderful feel of the album.
If that doesn't do it for you, the lyrics will. Murder, poisoning, and mayhem, all rolled into one package, with a little bit of love on the side. If you liked "Murder Ballads" (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), try this on for size. If you're a fan of noir films and books, ditto."
Jill Tracy: Damn fine musician and a nice woman.
skarecreau | San Francisco, CA USA | 10/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I wasn't quite sure what to think when I got this CD. I had her debut album ("Quintessentially Unreal", if you can find it) which was just her singing and playing piano and it reminded me a little too much of a darker version of Tori Amos (who, at the time, I really disliked). But I'd heard that she got together a backup band, the Malcontent Orchestra, and that had helped mature her sound. Well, I was very pleased with the results. While her first album has grown on me over time, "Diabolical Streak" was the one I fell instantly in love with. The music is rich, the lyrics are very clever and sly and sexy. So I went to see her a couple of times with my wife some friends (she's a local, fortunately) and she spoke with us and seemed genuinely flattered that we liked her music, which was a relief compared to many other musicians I've met. I highly recommend this album to fans of gothic music (especially neo-classical), fans of Tori Amos or any other female singer/piano player, or fans of ragtime music.
On a further note, she and the Malcontent Orchestra performed the live score to the silent film "Nosferatu" (which, unfortunately, I missed) and according to their website are planning on releasing it on CD. That should be a real treat to play along with the film at home."
Is this Heaven . . . or Hell? Can I stay?
Johnny Clay | Leavenworth, KS | 03/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is, in a word . . . diabolical. I can't stop listening to it. This woman has a way of getting under your skin, and believe me -- that's not a bad thing. Or is it? I'm hooked now! The sound is completely distinctive, the lyrics brilliantly original, and the voice deleriously seductive.
Jill Tracy, who are you? Can you come out and play? Can you at least put out another album? Please, don't make me beg!"
MySpace says more is coming...
Tisiwoota | USA | 02/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with the favorable reviews below-- just wanted to add that I found her myspace profile (http://www.myspace.com/jilltracymusic), which says:
"The new Jill Tracy CD is just beginning to be recorded, set for release in late 2006. This will be her fourth full length recording.""
Atmospheric and Smooth as Silk
Kristyne Mattson-Mednick | Renton, WA United States | 07/26/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Lovely piano and strings throughout this album make it a wonderful piece to slip into the CD player as the sun goes down. Each song is a little composition with something to smile about. Jill is something of a sultry, feminine and stylish version of Nick Cave with a little Tom Waits thrown in for fun. I LOVE this CD. If you download the free MP3's here on Amazon, you have an excellent representation of the entire CD."