Indigo Girls second cd and first on a major record label was this self titled release which came out in 1989. The duo's harmonies and folk-style guitars along with their involvement in grassroots politics and the fact that they are both lesbians made them a popular band with American college students.
'Closer to fine' is the best song on the cd and has members of the band Hothouse Flowers providing backing instruments and vocals and which has great vocals by Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. Michael Stipe of R.E.M provides his typical backing vocals to 'Kid Fears' not adding much to the song.
There seems to be a balance of songwriting and singing within the duo which works well. 'Tried to be true' sounds a bit more country and western than some of the other songs on the cd but most of the music is quite similar and in a folk/rock vein. 'Love's Recovery' is a gentle bruising love song and one of the better songs on it. 'Land of Canaan' is the closest thing to a rocker and not too bad for it. 'Indigo Girls' is a pretty decent cd but too many of the songs don't stand out from one another and 'Closer to fine' is head and shoulders above all the other songs.
Apparently they were nominated for a Grammy for Best New Act but lost out to Milli Vanilli. Not sure if they corrected the Academy corrected their mistake and returned it to a more worthy band. Also according to their website they will be giggin on a tour ship in the Carribbean in spring 2009 playing with other musicians including Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt and other roots/folk/rockers.
Thanks to Jonathan for the request. Sorry I didn't review the live cd.
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I haven't listened to this for a while now. Loved it when I first heard it but later preferred their subsequent albums.
ReplyDeleteDisagree with you about Michael Stipe though - think his backing vocals make the song.
Didn't know about the Hothouse flowers.