Laura Veirs - Troubled By the Fire (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

A Treasure from Seattle

Juan Mobili | Valley Cottage, NY USA | 03/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a gorgeous, gorgeous album. The story goes, read Uncut for more accurate details, that Laura was a geologist before she ever considered music a calling, and lonely doing fieldwork in some Chinese plains, she picked a guitar. Well, that was a few years ago by now, and this CD is her third one, with Carbon Glacier -her latest- being available only as an import. Rather than comparing her to other singers or groups that may orbit similar suns, I would say that fans of Folk, Americana, and even Alt Country will find her a true gem. Laura Veirs is a distinct voice. In the literal sense, she already possesses a tone and phrasing that have found their home. In terms of her compositions, a mature observer is already dwelling on this talented young woman. As far as I'm concerned she's the next generation of goddesses, preceded by Gilliam Welch, and Emylou Harris and Joni Mitchell before them."

Early contender for best album of 2003

K. Erickson | Walla Walla, WA | 04/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Laura works with traditional forms from the americana/folk/alt. country tradition, but gently pushes boundaries into other territories. Yet it always comes across as completely natural.
At the center is Laura's voice, unaffected and disarming, often soothing and graceful, but occasionally hinting at an aggressive streak (a sign of Laura's roots in punk rock?). Gentle country ballads, intricate acoustic guitar playing, great lyrical imagery...there's a lot to fall in love with here.Meanwhile Tucker Martine's production could be placed somewhere between Jim O'Rourke's subtle experimentation on Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" and the atmospheric vibe of Daniel Lanois. Throw in guest appearances from guitar hero Bill Frisell, banjo god Danny Barnes and violinist Eyvind Kang and you're left with an amazing album, sure to be one of the year's best.
-kevin erickson
music director, kwcw fm"

Wonderful new voice; unique and shining talent.

Chris Holmes | Corfu, Greece | 06/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Can't stop playing this amazing lady, have plastered my blog with her web and concert details, and am being a thorough bore urging her on others. Not to detract from the unique timbre of her voice, but who does she remind me of? Kate Rusby? Licorice? Kim Carnes? Jolie Holland?As if Veirs' hypnotic voice and seriously good songs weren't enough, she also moves in heavy-weight company: Bainbridge neighbour Bill Frisell appears on no less than 3 tracks, working his discreet magic as one of today's great guitarist accompanists, and banjo maestro Danny Barnes adds his distinctive querulous vocals to 'Ballad of John Vogelia' and equally unmistakeable banjo plunking on 'Devil's Hootenanny'.Give the gal a listen; you'll be right chuffed you did."

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