5 comments about Fat City.

1. I don't think it's exaggerating to call this one of the greatest albums ever, since that's how I feel about it and this review, after all, is my opinion. This is one I would consider for my 10 albums on a deserted island list. For many years this CD got more play time from me than any others. I just love Shawn's crystal clear voice and the songs on this CD are all really, really good and worthy of her singing. I love all Shawn's CDs but I like this one the most.



2. Four years prior to "A Few Small Repairs", Shawn Colvin released "Fat City"- a gem so rare and exquisite that just about every other release in her portfolio merely twinkles by comparison. Yes, there is magic in every recording she's put out, and certainly "Repairs" is a masterpiece which finally brought her some well deserved critical acclaim and accolades, but if you haven't listened to "Fat City" you have not yet been introduced to this woman's depth and ability to stir the soul. Listen to "Monopoly" if you want your heart ripped out. It is undoubtedly one of the most devastatingly beautiful love songs ever written. Her voice is raw, and brazenly naked in the throes of passionate love and agonizing loss. Listen to "Set the Prairie on Fire". Talk about sultry and sexy and hot! "Polaroids" is, of course, quintessential Shawn- it's a perfect example of why we love her music so much. If Anne Sexton was a songwriter her lyrics would sound like this: "Please no more therapy, Mother take care of me, piece me together with a needle and thread." Confessional, irreverent, honest, weary and triumphant all at the same time.
   "Tennessee" just plain rocks. And Shawn does "Tenderness On the Block" better than Warren Zevon could ever dream of doing it (sorry, Warren, rest in peace). "Round of Blues" will have your feet tapping, your hands drumming and your throat humming, despite the almost popishness of it. Shawn doesn't do pop, so don't get me wrong. Shawn does what gets her going, and it works- always. Who else can refer to vibrators ("Object of My Affection") in such a way that you don't ask yourself if she just said what you think she said, instead, you ... laugh because, well, of course, she means what you think she means.
   Sure, there are some weak spots on the album- most notably the excessive length of "Orion in the Sky" which starts to feel like a flamboyant relative who overstays their welcome. On the whole, however, this is Shawn quite possibly at her best. I say "quite possibly" because you never know what she will do next. I admit that I haven't heard the 2006 release yet (won't be long now!!!). For all I know she may just finish me off with the latest round of blues- after all, she's already ripped my heart out.



3. Admittedly 'Fat City' was my intro to Colvin. At the time - 14 yrs ago - I thought it was 5+ star worthy.
   
   Don't get me wrong - even w/my 3 star rating, I find it a good disk. But when compared to her body for work, you get sense that it tries too hard in too many places. It becomes slick. A good disk for Colvin's work doesn't cut it. Most of her efforts are great.
   
   Larry Klein polished the hell out of these songs - to the point of almost taking the life out of them. There are exceptions - most notably "Monopoly" and "Set the Prairie on Fire". Even the hey-kids-lets-try-for-a-radio-hit "Climb On" works.
   
   I still like the disk - but I do not find myself coming back to it. I cannot say that of 'Steady On', 'A Few Small Repairs' or 'Whole New You'.



4. I got hooked on Shawn Colvin when a friend connected me with her first album, Steady On. I picked up her sophomore release, Fat City, when I saw it in a store having never heard a single song. I was thrilled to find that it was even better. "Fat City" is an overlooked gem and one of my all-time favorites. Her song "Climb On" turned up as the original theme song from the TV show Party of Five before they switched to the Bodean's "Closer to Free". It's a shame she didn't get the boost that the Bodean's got from that exposure. It amazed me that Shawn's music got much less attention than similar but not-quite-as-talented singer/songwriters such as Jewel. Shawn's later albums may be more well-known, but I think this is her best overall.



5. I first heard "Round of Blues" on modern rock radio (Philadelphia's now defunct WDRE 103.9)soon after the album's release date (late 1992/early 1993.)I only heard it a few times before it was dropped from the station's playlist.

   Right around this time I began my career as a DJ at clubs & weddings. I had added the songs to my list of most wanted songs to purchase.

   None of the big retail chains carried this CD initially. A year or so later, the song received more airplay.

   "Round of Blues" was included on the Nicolas Cage/Bridget Fonda movie soundtrack for "It Can Happen To You".

   Eventually the "Fat City" CD began to appear at retail some two years after it's release.

   From the first time I heard the entire CD it instantly became one of my favorites.

   You'll be on an emotional rollercoaster with your journey through the tracks on this hidden gem.

   On your first listen you too will be ready for a second ride as you feel Colvin's voice break on the final track "I Don't Know Why" Prepare for that second ride well in advance. Hit the repeat button right away!

No comments about Hippopotamomus.

No comments about That's Just What You Are.

No comments about Middle Class Hero.

No comments about Rob, Bob & Albert.

No comments about Live.

1 comments about 3 for One Box Set.

1. Musically, the 3 best Costello's albums. Vey few weak songs. Melodically rich and complex.

3 comments about Safe Away.

1. Four years ago, I was at a random coffee shop in Grand Rapids Michigan. It just so happened that Denison Witmer was playing that night. The music I listened to that night changed my life. I instantly bought his CD (which was his self released version of Safe Away). His music has been in my ears ever since. If you are wondering which CD (of his) to start off with, start with this one. Every track is heartfelt and warm. His lyrics flow like poetry are full of meaning and feeling. I listen to a lot of music, and Denison Witmer is my favorite musician ever- hands down. This particluar album has been in the background of very real moment for the past five years of my early 20's life. As a matter of fact, we used to have "Sunday Nights with Denison Witmer" in the dorms where we would sit around in comfort, drink coffee, and talk about stuff that matters. So it's great background music. I can't analyze all the tracks because every one of them is SO good. I am telling you the truth: if you have the money to buy a CD, buy this one! Especially if it's fall or winter. I live and Michigan and there is somthing about Denison's music in the fall and winter. It's just so peaceful and thought provoking. He has such a humble voice; there is really nobody like him out there.
   I hope I helped you find a good CD. Take care.



2. Denison plays simple acoustic guitar riffs and sings with an amazing voice that is unusually tamed. He can hit high notes with ease and sounds incredible while still using very little vibrato in his voice. If you are a fan of John Mayer's and Pete Yorn's quieter music, prepare to be impressed yet again by a musician that deserves to be discovered. Philadelphia's best kept secret. Also, I consider this his best cd: it has the most mellow songs, often melancholy and beautiful. After you get this cd, I advise you to get the 'River Bends' EP. Although it has only five songs (4 of which are on other cd's) it has what I consider to be by far his best song, 'St. Jude.' Regardless, killer musician, awesome vocalist.



3. This cd is one of the best acoustical guitar cd's that I own. The lyrics that denison has are powerful and real life. I have heard denison play twice live. He is a great musician and I strongly recomend this cd!! Each song has it's own feel and the cd has a calming effect as you listen to it. Hope he goes far and more people can hear from denison!

1 comments about The Forgotten Arm.

1. Aimee Mann seems to be one of those artists whose work unfortunately gets lost in the mainstream shuffle (not that that's necessarily what she was going for anyway). Still, this album, The Forgotten Arm, shows that the former `Til Tuesday frontwoman still has what it takes to make good music.
   
   In case you don't know yet, this is a concept album that channels through a couple's somewhat troubled relationship. I didn't realize that at first, but it really doesn't matter because I can still pick out standouts like "That's How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart", "Dear John", and one of my favorites, "Going Through the Motions".
   
   "I Was Thinking I Could Clean Up For Christmas" is also pretty good, although I really don't think you should use the "F" word in a Christmas song. My only other concern is that "I Can't Get My Head Around It" made me say just that. Looking past all that, though, it's obvious that The Forgotten Arm is another entry for Aimee's list of great albums.
   
   Anthony Rupert

No comments about I Wanna Be Loved - autographed.