Search - Suzzy Roche & Maggie :: Why the Long Face ?

Full of Grace

Greg Hills | Phoenix, AZ USA | 10/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm so happy the Roche sisters are still making music I can't see straight. Maggie's voice, in particular, is just getting better and better. Such graceful, lovely harmonies, there's nothing else out there quite like it...The way in which Suzzy and Maggie's voices blend and interweave, phenomenal.

Standouts for me include "The Warwick Flag," "Don't be Afraid," and "La Vie C'est La Vie." Having seen the Roche's in concert many times, I noticed that I didn't really miss the presence of Terri, her high voice becoming strained and thin of late. I found the sound of this cd to be peaceful, calming, and not a little poignant -- yet never melancholy. What a gift this family has! May they sing forever."

Something's missing

Peter Baklava | Charles City, Iowa | 08/05/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since 1989's "Speak", the best word to describe the Roche sisters' music has been 'subdued'. It is telling that the finest track on "Why the Long Face" is a remake of "The Broken Places", which dates from the "Speak" album.



So, after bottoming out with "Can We Go Home Now?", the Roches are back in a place where they make pleasant and well-produced music that can be likened to a foot bath. It's soothing, it tickles you a bit, but it doesn't make you want to jump up and do somersaults. In fact, it's kind of enervating.



"Why The Long Face" features the usual fretful songs about the world's terrible state and one's own 'bad self' from Suzzy. Other songs include efforts to set other people's poems to music, of which only "The Warwick Flog" is successful.



As for the rest--- there aren't any really bad songs here, but only "I Don't Have You", which someone else wrote, is up to the level of their first and best albums.



The packaging is wonderful.



Come back, Terre. Your fire is needed, here."

Keep On Doing !!!!!!!!!!

Joel B. Lomberg | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 10/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Incredible! What a wonderful cd to take an escape to from all the heartless, ordinary songs you hear on the radio today. Suzzy and Maggie are like fine wines.........they just get better with age. A couple of tracks have been done before by them (Broken Places, La Vie C'est La Vie, and One Season), but I kinda like these new fresh versions. As far as the other songs go, great words, luscious harmonies, and beautiful instruments. I have to admit I do miss their sister Terre's vocals, but don't let that keep you from buying this cd, it will put a smile on your face and warm your soul. I also recommend seeing them live as they put on a wonderful show. They have tour dates posted on their website www.roches.com"