Perfect disc for a rainy....or sunny day.
Sarah B. | New York City | 11/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Unfortunately, one can't listen to any of the tracks on this album here on Amazon. Hopefully that will change one day soon. In the meantime, you might catch some of the tracks on your local college radio station. That's where I first heard the last song on the disc which prompted me to make the purchase. And what a good one it was. The listless, wistful tone of this cd reminds me a lot of the Sundays 'Static Silence' album but perhaps even more laid back. Her vocal approach to the songs is gentle and carefree. However, the passion with which she sings is clearly bubbling just below the surface. I read an article that stated it was recommended to her by the producer that she take this approach. I think it works beautifully. I can't imagine these songs sung any other way.The subject matter on the disc runs the gamut from first date hopefulness - 'costume ball' to the demise of a brief love affair - 'i really wanted you'. Personal favorites include 'weight of the world', 'history. as planned' and of course, 'i really wanted you'. I hope this exceptional work is only demonstrative or what lies ahead for this artist. Hopefully, her wisdom will deepen even further with the years and we will all be the beneficiaries and therefor, the better for it."
Mascott: Follow the Sound (Le Grand Magistery, 2000)
sylantroadie | Fort Worth, TX USA | 01/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hailing from the north-east, Kendall Jane Meade, a.k.a. Mascott, is a pop, singer-songwriter with a voice that just speaks to you. "Follow the Sound" demonstrates her incredibly beautiful vocals mixed with her poetic abilities and simple, yet amazing song arrangements. "Sound" is thematically filled with uncertainty about what might be coming up in life, how to make decisions, and about whether or not love will ever be right. Amongst these themes, Meade is never cliché. She is able to take ideas like love and fear and place the listener in that moment before either happens. She sings much about that time of anticipation, of the unexpected moment before a decision or before life is about to throw you a curve.
The title track, "Follow the Sound," sets up the tone for the rest of the album. It displays Meade's fabulous vocals, which carry this song completely. The musical arrangement is simple and stripped down with drums and sprinkles of piano here and there. The song seems to be about Kendall chasing music, but, at the same time, the images provoke a love interest as well. She is a lyricist who is able to combine images in a very unique and thought provoking way. "Keeper of Secrets" is a beautiful, slow pop-song with cascading guitars. Meade sings about one's unknown abilities that are hidden inside and the need for courage to step out and take chances to find them. "The Rays" has subtle bass with shimmering guitars. Once again, Meade's beautiful voice sings of wanting to break out, to become, to be found out in a more serious light. She wants to be known, not in that plastic, celebrity kind of way, but as a human being.
"History as Planned" is a quiet song about the fact that the future can only tell if a relationship will turn out right. The trumpet on this track is a little dirtied up with fantastic rhodes in the background. "Costume Ball" is a perfect pop song akin to Club 8 with fanciful imagery of that Cinderella night at the costume ball. The synth in this song adds a beautiful touch to the song as it lingers behind Meade's gorgeous, dreamy voice. "Weight of the World" is another highlight on the album. It is a very poetic song penned by Judson Ehrbar. It's a stripped down song that really allows the lyrics to speak. Also, there are lots of noisy clicks and synth effects added to the song.
This album has inventive instrumentation, fantastic indie-pop, great lyrics, and a singer-songwriter who is able to write fantastic melodies. A plus for any music lover and their record collection."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1