Search - Sarah Slean :: Sarah Slean

Amazing artist, disappointing release.

D. Mok | Los Angeles, CA | 08/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was totally livid after listening to this, the first track of Sarah Slean's U.S. debut EP. Having played her Canadian indie releases, the Universe EP and her first album blue Parade, I've identified Slean as a songwriter of the finest order, a classy and imaginative arranger, a top-notch pianist, and a singer whose plaintive, ethereal croon is the pinnacle of loveliness. Her self-produced indie releases showed an artist who was ready to soar -- her "Playing Cards with Judas" from last year was possibly the best song written last year.On this EP, you'll get only half the picture, at best. I can only blame producer Hawksley Workman. Slean had shown impeccable taste on her previous recordings; there is no way that the vibrato-obsessed, unmelodic lead vocal style of "Eliot" and "Book Smart, Street Stupid" could have been her idea. Rather than her old, pitch-perfect croon, we get a ritchety croak that's disturbing at best, irritating at worst. This approach inaccurately paints Slean as a non-singer in the leagues of Gord Downie and early Adam Duritz, the breathtaking beauty of her voice violated. The songwriting is good, but compare this version of "Eliot" with Slean's earlier recording on Blue Parade and you'll see Workman's contribution to this EP is akin to that of a parasite to the body. Why four stars? Because thankfully, this EP culls tracks from Universe and Blue Parade to give U.S. audiences a taste of Slean's earlier work. And these soar to the heights leaving the first three new tracks in the dirt. "Twin Moon" is mystical and beautiful; "High" is funky yet subtly menacing; and "Me and Jerome" and "John the 23rd" both showcase the fresh sonics, subtly gorgeous vocal work, and spiritually and lyrically complex songwriting that Slean has always been known for up to this point.Slean is still an artist deserving of utmost respect and attention. I just think, somewhere along the line, while diving into a major-label deal, her distinctive, impeccable sound has been marred by the interference of inferior outside "talent". No doubt, though, I will purchase her upcoming full-length album when it comes out, if only for the hope that Workman hadn't done his ghastly work on all of Slean's new songs."

FAB!

WoW | Netherlands | 09/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame Sarah Slean's releases are very hard to get outside of Canada. This woman has many talents, and should get credit for that outside of her homeland. She writes very clever and interesting lyrics, is an amazing piano player, has a sixth sense for catchy and strong melodies, and is also blessed with a gorgeous voice. Though this release is an interesting introduction to her music (it introduced be to her as well), after hearing it, you will only want more, MORE! I recommend getting her albums in order of release, so Universe first, followed by Blue Parade, Night Bugs and Day One. This EP however, only has songs from the first three. Also: if you have the chance to see and hear her live, grab it! She's a fantastic live performer, and aside from that also a very nice person. ;)"

A good place to start.

Type12point | Ottawa, ON | 03/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...I recently had the pleasure of seeing Miss Slean in
concert at a lcal university, and though she kept
the audience waiting for nearly two hours, the final
result was well worth it. She gave the best small-
venue performance I have ever seen. Slean is a good
composer, a vibrant vocalist with a potent and
distinctive voice, and a great pianist and performer.
A clinging precocity in her work is all that prevents
her from rising head and shoulders above the other
artists to whom she is most often compared.This little album's a good place to start, but there
are other Sarah Slean titles available that Amazon
has yet to offer. You'd be wise to seek them out."