A promise never fulfilled, no matter how honest or well-intentioned, Knots and Crosses emerged from the late 1980s Boston indie scene just in time to score one local hit, "Creatures of Habit," a flaring jangle strong enoug... more »h to suggest that the band, had they stuck it out, might have made good on their debts to folk-rock duos such as Richard and Linda Thompson and Gene Clark and Carla Olson. A dead-in-the-water deal with Island records and a wrecked marriage between lead singer Carol Noonan and singer-guitarist Alan Williams put an end to the band, though for this overview of their '90s recordings, Williams, Noonan (who has since developed a steady solo career), and guitarist Rick Harris returned to the studio to revisit two fine old and unrecorded songs. Listening back to the desperate interweaving of Noonan's and Williams's voices, the angry, angular guitar work, and song after song of emotional turmoil, one can hear why the band was once so well-regarded and glimpse a bit of what might have been. --Roy Kasten« less
A promise never fulfilled, no matter how honest or well-intentioned, Knots and Crosses emerged from the late 1980s Boston indie scene just in time to score one local hit, "Creatures of Habit," a flaring jangle strong enough to suggest that the band, had they stuck it out, might have made good on their debts to folk-rock duos such as Richard and Linda Thompson and Gene Clark and Carla Olson. A dead-in-the-water deal with Island records and a wrecked marriage between lead singer Carol Noonan and singer-guitarist Alan Williams put an end to the band, though for this overview of their '90s recordings, Williams, Noonan (who has since developed a steady solo career), and guitarist Rick Harris returned to the studio to revisit two fine old and unrecorded songs. Listening back to the desperate interweaving of Noonan's and Williams's voices, the angry, angular guitar work, and song after song of emotional turmoil, one can hear why the band was once so well-regarded and glimpse a bit of what might have been. --Roy Kasten
"It's been several years since I first heard this band, but I've been looking for their records ever since. Carol Noonan has a truly powerful voice and the band plays with a lot of dynamics and taste, especially the guitar player, Rick Harris. But in many ways the songs are what really stand out. "Creatures of Habit" was a big hit on the radio here in Boston, and it's the kind of song that makes you pull your car over by the side of the road to listen. And there's some really beautiful songs like "The Train Song" that are like little movies. In fact they kind of make a lot of different kinds of music, kind of folky, but also really rocking (not sort of rocking), most of all they write really catchy songs that you can't help but sing along with. I bought their first CD but somehow it disappeared from my collection (just goes to show you about lending out CDs). Now they've put out a collection with most of my favorite songs from that CD plus some great songs from their second CD which I never bought, but heard the songs in concert. PLUS there'e two new songs which are GREAT! I thought the band had broken up, but maybe this is the beginning of something new, (some shows or even a whole album of new songs????) I can only hope so."
The best band never signed to a big deal
joel | southeast, usa | 10/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"a must purchase. carol noonan's vocals are powerful and the lyrics strong. you cannnot lose by getting this disc; will prove to be one of your favorite cd's"
What a great CD! More, please.
joel | 08/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent! While Carol Noonan's vocals are wonderful (and very reminiscent of Maria McKee from Lone Justice), it's really Rick Harris that steals the show. His song-writing is soulful, and his guitar playing is sweet and electrifying at the same time. He is a major talent waiting to break out."
Haunting lyrics, and vocals make this album stand out.
joel | 08/02/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I got this album, because i read that the band was from Maine. Having just spent a few years in Maine, i thought i should give it a go. I am very glad that i did. There was a time is a great colection of music. The haunting vocals on the track "waiting for you" give me chills, every time i hear it. Knots and crosses can be compared to, October Project, and maybe even Dar Williams. this cd is a must for the modern day folkie!!!"