Beth Orton - Central Reservation
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Beth OrtonEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1999-03-09
Music Label: Arista
Soundtracks:
- Stolen Car
- Sweetest Decline
- Couldn't Cause Me Harm
- So Much More
- Pass in Time
- Central Reservation [Original Version]
- Stars All Seem to Weep
- Love Like Laughter
- Blood Red River
- Devil Song
- Feel to Believe
- Central Reservation [Ben Watt Mix]
Free Music Notes for Central Reservation
Free Music Review: Insert witty title here->
Hit: 5 Stars
I am a Beth Orton fan. Not fanatically devoted so I can't wax eloquently about her with anecdotes and such in this review. For me it's all about quality music and this album has plenty of it.
Of the various components that comprise our music listening experience, lyricism and melodic structure jumps to the fore in my personal selection criteria. Central Reservation manages to piece many of the right melodies along with lyrics that will resonate across a good breadth of listeners' own experiences. Orton's lyrics are simple, direct and not overly obtuse. Common enough language so as not to feel pretentious, yet effective in conveying the message intended.
Melodically, Beth is consistent with "her sound"; a good, eclectic mix of electronic infused folk, rock, and a little jazz thrown in. While her sound is typically a little "thin" to me, a couple of songs from this album had surprising depth and richness.
Content-wise, a few songs stand out to me and deserves mention on their own merits. Stolen Car had an edge that meshed well with the angst and uncertainty of an encounter with one's ex-lover. Sweetest Decline had a sound that perfectly encapsulates a sun drenched, lazy afternoon for me with its jazz infused sound and ruminations of the decay in our inexorable march towards our ends. Stars All Seem To Weep was a track I initially dismissed with it's synth beat opening but immediately punished my prejudice with it's haunting vocals and Beth's breathy delivery. Ended up as one of my favorite tracks on this album. Blood Red River conjured up vivid imagery with its lyrics coupled with a perfectly suited acoustic delivery that evokes a nearly visceral reaction. Pass In Time does not disappoint given it's very personal connection to Orton in the subject matter of her mother's passing. Ironically the title track Central Reservation, while a pleasing song in itself falls into the middle of the pack despite it's promising opening refrain.
The sense of cohesion with this album is remarkable. One of the few albums that can be popped in and listened to from beginning to end without me reaching for the remote to skip certain tracks. However, Love Like Laughter and Feel To Believe failed to impress in the least in that while pleasant, both felt like fluffed up filler.
To sum it all up, Central Reservation is a strong album from beginning to finish. Introspective and when Orton's willing, intimate in the sincerity of her emotions. Moving from haunting, melancholy depths to moments of hopeful honesty. The strengths of the great tracks on this album far outweighs the failings of the weaker offerings. I strongly recommend the purchase of this album.
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