Search - Thea Gilmore :: Harpo's Ghost

Thea is the real deal

Kurt Finkbeiner | New York, NY United States | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, what a talent. If there is a musician that deserves noteriety in the States, Theas' got to be the one. It's a shame to see stars of a lesser caliber getting more airplay. Her lyrics are absolute poetry and musically each song is a gem. As with all her releases repeated listens reveal nuances missed before. Highlights are "Every Bodys Numb", "We Built a Monster" and "Cheap Tricks". Highly recommended."

Another great album from Thea Gilmore

GS | Ohio | 09/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thea Gilmore is undoubtedly an artist who should get far more credit than she has been getting. Her musical compositions and lyrics are clearly at the level of the major poets and composers of folk and rock and roll. So far all of her albums are musically compelling and Harpo's Ghost is no exception. She is an astute observer of human nature and her lyrics are at times rebellious and edgy. "So the city flickers on like a reeperbahn night; Hissing like a wildcat just about to fight; And it mutters that we rule by ladders of degree; We built a monster." Lyrically she is more consistently poetic and observant of human nature and events than almost any rock musician playing today. She has a strong clear voice and certainly does not mumble her words. On Harpo's Ghost she is supported by competent musicians and the band can rock. Perhaps more instrumental work coming to the fore, coupled with some edgy guitar playing would enhance her compositions on this album. I liked the arrangements on "Everybody's numb," which at times relies heavily on drums and bass. Her voice soars on this song as it does on "Cheap Trick," which rocks. "Cheap Trick" should have been the opening track. "Slow Journey II", which is a folk song with a cello backing, is somewhat reminiscent of the violin in Dylan's "Desire". "The List" is in the folk idiom and has an eerie quality to it - again reminding me somewhat of Dylan's music. In this song she sings "And some folks are drawn to the fire; And some just want to hide; But the lonely are the prettiest of all; They burn from the inside...." There is also a hidden track at the end, "Play until the bottle's gone." This album is more laid back than some of her previous albums and sometimes finds Thea in a wistful mood. As such it pressures one to listen closely to her lyrics. With repeated listening I appreciated the album more than I initially did. This album does not quite match up to "Avalanche" or "Songs from the Gutter" but it does not detract from her considerable musical talents. You would not be amiss buying this album and, indeed, her whole catalogue."

A talent that more in the U.S should know of.

R. Florence | Sandia Mtns, N.M U.S | 11/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With an enchanting voice that can turn a single word into a line of lilting notes, and a talent for lyrics and music thats better than many, and as good as others, I'm surprised Thea Gilmore isn't better received here in the U.S.

Harpo's Ghost is a strong recording that loses none of its appeal with repeated playing. While there are certain songs I enjoy more than others,( The Gambler, Call Me Your Darling, Contessa, Cheap Tricks), I hesitate to say any tracks are weak. All have there own merits, and are well crafted, and I have no doubt these other tracks will end up on some other listeners list of favorites. This is a great recording for those unfamilier with Thea Gilmore.

( fantastic hidden track after Slow Journey 2)"