Search - Karen Mal :: Mercury's Wings

Karen Mal shines

P.Cathman | South Boston | 12/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw Karen play in Austin while I was having a little music vacation and in a city with some really great music, she was the standout.



This is the second CD I bought of hers and I think it's her best. She has some beautiful songs here and I find myself poping this CD in all the time. The thing that will grab you right off is her voice. It's just really intoxicating and well suited to her blend of Celtic and folk.



My favorite song is "Rosalie" but "Take a Drive" and the title song "Mercury's Wings" are the favorites in my family.



If you like this CD try "Dark Eyed Sailor" next.



"

Beautifully sung, but not great songs

Peter Reeve | Thousand Oaks, CA USA | 01/16/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Karen Mal's two solo albums to date (this one and Dark-eyed Sailor) are very different and will appeal to different audiences. Mercury's Wings was her first and features contemporary material, mostly written or co-written by Mal, whereas her second album consists almost entirely of traditional songs. The songs on this album are pleasant but unexceptional. The most memorable is Take a Drive, which she had no hand in writing. She can affect a soulful eroticism that is wonderful, and you hear it to great affect on this track. I would like to hear her tackle the Dusty Springfield song, Breakfast in Bed.



The insert notes are minimal, with (annoyingly) credits listed in a different order to the tracks.



All in all, I was somewhat disappointed with this album, especially as Dark-eyed Sailor is so excellent.



If you have any interest in traditional songs, you must listen to Dark-eyed Sailor. Try Mercury's Wings if you enjoy sweetly sung contemporary ballads that are a little bit country.

"