Search - Salamander Crossing :: Bottleneck

Pleasant Dreams

Rosencrantz | Toronto, ON Canada | 07/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This band first came to my attention when a friend told me they'd done a cover of "Five Days in May", a favourite song by Blue Rodeo, one of my favourite bands. I heard the single and, based on that and a little bit of faith, I bought the CD. I was pleasantly surprised. I have very little experience with the Bluegrass tradition behind Salamander Crossing's music (though of course it's all the rage now, what with the "O Brother" soundtrack making waves), but love folk in all its forms, and am glad to add this to my shelf.This band is tight, intricate but uncomplicated, and there is a sense of ease to their songs that makes this CD a wonderful experience. I especially like that both the female and male vocalists get to take the lead on different tracks, and their voices are well-matched in harmony, although Jeff's is less strong than either Andrew's or Rani's. Simple-hearted love songs like "River and the Rain" are that much more warmed by how well the singers' tones mesh. The haunting "Crossing the Bar" stays true not only to the strong sense of faith that informed Tennyson's poetry, but to his wish that any publication that includes that poem place it last. As for the cover of "Five Days in May", it is wonderful to hear it interpreted by a female voice, which to my ear makes it all the more poignant."

Wow

carlkc | Vergennes, VT United States | 02/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of my favorites. Saw them at a cozy performance at the Vergennes Opera House, and havent' stoped listening to the CD since. Encore, Encore!"

The best!

lizdeane | Suburbia, New Jersey | 05/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rani Arbo has a voice like velvet. This is one of my alltime favorite albums. So sad was i when i heard that Salamander Crossing broke up. But the good news is that Rani has a new band - daisy mayhem. Saw them last night and they played many Salamander Crossing songs. The best!"