Search - Sarah Slean :: The Baroness

Icy & Cool : Slean Steeped in the Classics

Cabir Davis | 06/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've often believed that Sarah Slean occupied a void that Tori Amos once left, ever since Amos went the way of 'Adult Contemporary' music. Those Tori trademarks - a lone female voice, a piano up front and center, and interesting lyrics - are all replicated by Slean, though to be honest her songwriting is far more direct and relatable than a lot of Amos' output. Those comparisons aside, Slean is also far and away the frontrunner when it comes to female singer-songwriters these days, and its a pity that this Canadian songstress hasn't crossed over to any part of the world. Her success is very local, despite a catalog of some truly groundbreaking albums.



Even within Slean's own fan community, opinion about this album is divided, only because its slower, more plodding, and far more introspective than any of her earlier works. While many reviewers have called the songs 'same-sounding', this is in fact untrue. The tracks here are definitely not upbeat or happy tunes, but their effectiveness is enhanced through their icy, solitudinal quality - something that is present throughout the entire record.



Highlights are many - especially the beautiful "Sound of Water" (a personal favorite) and the addictive "Willow". This is certainly one of those albums that grows in stature and importance every time you play it - the repeat value here is astounding, and the songwriting is impeccable - perhaps a little too simplistic at times, but nevertheless really lovely. Her earlier release, "Day One" was more 'dramatic', but this record finds Sarah in a regal and contemplative mood, and the results are stunning.



Music completists would like to note that Sarah Slean recorded an album right after this one entitled "The Baroness Redecorates" - it was a collection of B-Sides and extras from "The Baroness" sessions that she thought were important. For the record, that EP remains the best work Slean has ever recorded or released. The vibe of it resonates closely with the album title, and classic symphonies swirl amidst a sea of violins, strings, and Rachmaninoff-like melodies - its a 'classic' album in the truest sense of the word - only marginally related to pop music. I'd urge all listeners to track down that highly rare and sought-after EP - its running time however, is as long as this albums'. "The Baroness Redecorates" should have definitely been included with this album here, but it isn't.



Finally, Sarah Slean remains in a league of her own. If thoughtful, tuneful and gorgeous chamber-pop music with a classical edge is what you are looking for, this is it. She is intelligent beyond her years, and her music is low key and lush - this is exactly the sort of music that sophisticated indie-music lovers should pick up - its without a doubt essential listening.



Four and a Half Stars. Try to track down the out of print follow-up EP "The Baroness Redecorates" - its vital. I'm including the track listing for both CDs even though the latter is not available on Amazon (or anywhere else anymore, sadly).



Tracklisting for "The Baroness":



1. Hopeful Hearts

2. Get Home

3. Euphoria

4. Goodnight Trouble

5. Notes from the Underground

6. Sound of Water

7. No Place at All

8. Please Be Good to Me

9. Willow

10. So Many Miles

11. Shadowland

12. Looking for Someone



Tracklisting for "The Baroness Redecorates":



1. Parasol

2. Lonely Side of the Moon

3. Modern Man I & II

4. Compatriots

5. The Rose

6. Hear Me Out

7. The "Disarm" Suite

"

Wow another great album

Eric G. Kiura | Toronto, ON | 03/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"excuse me for taking so long to find The Baroness. I definitely wasn't looking for this. I was at a movie theater where I saw her in an interview. The Baroness title stuck with me and I'm now glad it did. I got her music listened to it and I was blow away. I've read the reviews here and it seems I'm the newly recruited fan and I'm glad I found Sarah.

I would recommend this album to anyone, I don't think you have to wait to be told to take it home. You won't be disappointed.

The production on this album is simple, lean like its on diet but its filling and on point. The vocals ooooo wee! Basically Sarah will blow you away, there is no one song that you would throw away. This album leaves you wondering why it didn't come with bonus cuts on it. Since I have to pick a favorite(s) they are Get Home, Please Be Good To Me and Looking for Someone, seriously there is no songs to skip only repeats. You've never heard a voice like this Sarah, Adeles voice may beg comparison but Sarah style and something in her voice makes her completely different and should make stand out on her own out there. The Baroness makes me proud to be Canadian, now start touring please!"

Stunning

C. A. Mennie | 12/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is absolutely breaktaking and finds Sarah at the peak of her powers. Not one throwaway on here, these richly textured songs evoke the best of pop, cabaret and theatre. Exquisite production and nuanced arrangements envelope her lush voice, which she uses to perfection. Highly recommended."