Search - Joan As Police Woman :: To Survive

Just outstanding

D. M. Hassall | Australia | 08/18/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Joan Wasser (aka 'Joan As Policewoman') has produced a simply outstandingly crafted first solo album. Her songs are poetic, personal, quirky and full of clever retro references. There is no mainstream category for this highly original alternative rock/soul work and, refreshingly, no ego in the presentation. The pre-Raphaelite looking portrait cover offers no name, no title. Find a minimal, almost dismissive, 'all songs written by Joan Wasser' hiding on the back. Repeat listening is needed to get below the production surface of the songs. Wasser's multi-instrumental, vocal and songwriting talents are really impressive. The longing, spacey `Start of My Heart' is my favorite on an album brimming with reflective but never maudlin tracks."

Exceptional Indeed

JRL | MI USA | 08/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joan's last album Real Life showcased elements of "punk," soul, and classical flourishes. No small feat considering it was her debut. Now her sophomore album has arrived. Though it is a more uniform and organic affair, it never strays from being nakedly honest and deeply touching. To Survive leans more in the direction of New York jazz-folk-pop, yet still features startlingly intimate piano ballads such as "To Be Lonely." Through the introspective sophistication there's a sense of rugged yearning. The album's full band highlights revolve around unconventional chord changes ("Holiday," "Magpies") and adhere little to well-trodden song structure. The vocal melodies are subtle and appropriate for each song, making this beautifully delivered album one of the best of the year and worth heavy repeated listening (for fans of mellow, artful music)."

A rare gem

Richard K. Woodward | Edinburgh, Scotland | 09/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maybe I'm getting old, but there hasn't been much in rock or pop music since about 1994 that I have found worthy of any notice. Elliott Smith and the Eels are among the rare exceptions. But this may well be the best of the lot. Great stuff."