Patty Griffin - Living With Ghosts
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Free Music Notes for Living With Ghosts
Free Music Review: Can I add another 5 stars?
Hit: 5 Stars
I've often wondered what it would have been like to have come of age a bit earlier in pop culture history (I'm 35), when albums from poets seem to have been anticipated with a spiritual zeal by the masses, a zeal that comes naturally for a word-loving, melody-craving girl like myself, but rarely by my mass-market contemporaries in the '90's.A like-minded listener in those days probably approached Joni Mitchell's "Blue" album, or various Dylan releases, much the way I was indoctrinated into Patty Griffin's "Living With Ghosts." She sat alone with the disc, allowed its hushed intimacy and startling, singular passion to move her to tears and sang along with an understanding and communion only accessible when an artist absolutely walks on the edge and is unafraid to reveal herself. Patty Griffin's debut ranks as one one of those startling albums.
It is a classic of pop songwriting construction, bruised-blues Bonnie Raitt-ish vocals, and epic Springsteenian storytelling. It is spare, only her vocals and an acoustic guitar, but it is on fire! This, her first album, should have been given the title of her subsequent record, "Flaming Red."
The unfortunately produced clamor of "Flaming Red"'s synth and drum overkill competes with our heroine's inherent raw-boned passion, something she's able to convince us of all on her own, without the bombast of the mid-'80's-sounding backing tracks that simply become a laughable addendum to the core of the songs. Perhaps the second album should have been called "Living With Ghosts": that is, the ghosts of production past, techniques that didn't work with similarly strong-voiced singers then (see Linda Ronstadt's 'Mad Love"), and still don't today.
Don't allow the let-down of the second record shy you away from the incredible classic that is "Living With Ghosts," or from belief in the potential of Patty Griffin, a true artist whose fearlessness will likely be remembered as a pinnacle of late '90's, Lillith-era confessional songwriting. Wait - change that. Make that "a pinnacle of confessional songwriting" period.
One more thing. Jump at a chance to see her do her thing live. It is a thrilling thing to see such a diminutive woman pull out such towering emotion before your very eyes.
Free Music Review: Exquisite and raw tour de force...a diamond in the rough
Hit: 5 Stars
I have been hearing about Patty Griffin for years, from other artists who have mentioned being fans of her work and often raved about her. But for some reason, I never felt compelled to check her out...until I came on Amazon, and saw that this album was recommended for me. I thought, "Again with this Patty Griffin character?! I guess I have to listen to her." So I purchased this album, and immediately, my jaw was on the floor. I am in awe of her and her talent, and nowhere does this talent shine brighter than on Living with Ghosts, her first and best album to date. The first thing of note is that it's entirely acoustic; all ten songs consist of just Patty and her guitar. But they don't need anything else. Her voice is an instrument all it's own, slicing through the air like a weapon sometimes, and other times crooning softly, with a beautiful tenderness unmatched by anyone else. Full of power and grace, it's a voice that leaves you breathless and amazed. Her guitar playing ranges from explosive to contemplative. And then there's the songs themselves. All written by Patty, they are nothing short of brilliant. The lyrics are deep and poignant and poetic, sometimes elegantly, beautifully simple. On some songs, such as the standout "Sweet Lorraine" she showcases her abilities as a storyteller, bringing characters and events to life with the precision of a novelist. This is one of the best albums that have ever graced my ears, and without a doubt the most powerful solo acoustic record that has ever been made. Living with Ghosts will touch you, inspire you, break your heart, and then do it all over again. I am totally blown away by this woman and this monumental CD. Buy it, because once you do, a void will be filled you probably weren't even aware you had. Patty has become one of my very favorite artists, and I will continue to buy every work she releases. All I can do now is make up for lost time and treasure this extraordinary artist and her work. Patty, where have you been all my life?Free Music Review: Only superlatives will do this cd justice- she is a gem.
Hit: 5 Stars
Why are these songs not playing on the radio?? Patty Griffin delivers a beautifully crafted CD of soulful, honest lyrics and perfect melodies. The entire CD is just her and a guitar, and her rich voice digs deep and delivers a blend of folk and rock not heard anywhere else. EVERY song is a work of art, but personal favorites are "Let Him Fly"- a Dear John Letter disguised as a song; "Time Will Do the Talking"- a message to former loves that hindsight is 20/20, and man, are you gonna miss me...; "Poor Man's House"- a song you want to give to someone who knows the particular pain of growing up dirt poor; "Forgiveness"- a spiritual in its most modern form; and "Not Alone"- if this doesn't make you cry, then no song ever will. Some choice lines from the songs mentioned: "Ain't no talkin' to this man Ain't no pretty other side... It would take an acrobat, and I already tried all that- I'm gonna let him fly." "Time will do the talkin', years will do the walkin', I'll just find a comfy spot and wait it out... Time will tell you, baby, what you can't hear now." "Let's take a walk on the bridge right over this mess- Don't need to tell me a thing, baby We've already confessed. And I raised my voice to the air, and we were blessed. It's hard to give, it's hard to get, But everybody needs a little forgiveness." "Pieces of her hair are wrapped around and 'round his fingers, He reaches for her side for any sign of her that lingers... And she says, "You are not alone, laying in the light Put out the fire in your head and lay with me tonight." This CD continues to blow me away. There are songs to sing along to REAL LOUD as you're driving, and others that feel like a prayer. Patty Griffin's talent lies in her ability to evoke all of these emotions in the span of ten songs, and leave you wanting more.Free Music Review: An amazing debut from an amazing talent....
Hit: 5 Stars
I've heard Patty Griffin say that her debut wasn't exactly her style, that she didn't really want to do an acoustic studio album. However dissatisfied she may be, she has created a masterpiece. Her tremendous voice and poetic lyrics carry the CD beautifully. From the pain of heartbreak in 'Every Little Bit' to the whimsy of 'Mad Mission,' Patty writes songs that tell stories, and then she conveys them with a clear, strong, gorgeously terrific voice. This album is definitely one of the best I've ever owned. It's hard to imagine that someone can exhibit so much range within a pretty narrow genre, yet Patty manages to do it. Each individual song can stand on its own as vividly and poetically written, beautifully sung and performed; together, they become a seamless, smooth, coherent album, one with enough different pieces to suit whatever mood I'm in. Living With Ghosts is one of the few albums I can listen to over and over and still enjoy the surprises and nuances of every song.
It's become quite common now for other artists to cover Patty's songs, from the Dixie Chicks to Emmylou Harris to Ben Harper (whom I heard sing my all-time favorite Patty song, 'Mary,' which is on her second CD). But no matter how good these other versions - and singers - are, they never quite achieve the power that Patty does. And this is the place to begin getting to know Patty, discovering what others have about the beauty of her music. This CD is innovative yet classic, mellow yet powerful, simple yet complex... it's almost beyond description except to say, again, that it's one of the best I've ever heard or bought and one that everyone should give a try. And after this one, there's the very different treat that is 'Flaming Red,' but that's a whole different story... Just buy this one, settle down, and enjoy the ride of truly great songwriting, singing and music.
Free Music Review: Beauty & Tragedy
Hit: 5 Stars
It takes a good artist to translate her life into words and music. But it takes an incredible artist to make the listener feel her pain, heartache, and joy along with her. Patty Griffin is the latter. I can't decide if I want her to be more famous and recognized (as she derserves to be) or if I want her to remain obscure - a little gem that only a few enlightened people can see. Her words are pure poetry ("You left open the window til the morning and the winter walked in"), and when her lyrics are combined with her guitar-playing ability and her raw, emotional voice, it's such a rare experience. You feel like you're reading someone's diary - it's so personal and heart-wrenching that you can't help but feel like you're invading her private space. And that's a good thing. At other times, you can imagine yourself in a dark bar, just you and Patty sitting in a corner booth, talking about life and love over a couple of beers. She's been battered by love, but she's not afraid to sing about it. Whether she's singing about loneliness ("Moses"), a lost but not forgotten relationship ("Every Little Bit," in which she says that "by this I am able in all of my travels to make these memories quit. But tonight I clearly recall every little bit."), she draws you into her life. She's also not afraid to tackle issues other than love - as evidenced by the familial struggle of "Poor Man's House" and the story of "Sweet Lorraine," a woman who longs to overcome her family and life by escaping to college and, eventually, a marriage. Of course, her most powerful song, "Tony," about a gay boy Patty knew in high school, is on her follow-up CD, "Flaming Red."
Which reminds me, but all three of Patty Griffin's albums. You might end up crying, but at least it'll be with someone that you've grown to love.