Brandi Carlile

Product Description
Authentic. That's the first word that springs to mind when you encounter Brandi Carlile. From her rootsy bell-clear voice to the palpable emotion that seeps through every song on her stunning debut album, everything about this 23-year-old from rural Washington state is the real deal.

Deeply driven to be an artist, Carlile's life-long love affair with performing began when her musician mother brought her out onstage at the Northwest's version of the Grand Ole Opry. Carlile sang Roseanne Cash's "Tennessee Flat-Top Box". She was 8.

Growing up in the isolated foothills of Ravensdale, 50 miles outside of Seattle, Carlile turned to music for company. "Ravensdale wasn't a town," she says. "We were the only house around for acres and acres. Being in the middle of nowhere, it wasn't the kind of place you brought friends back to, so I just hung around the woods and built forts and played music with my brother and sister. That's all we did. And we thought that's what everyone else in the world did, too."

During those years, Carlile taught herself to sing. "I locked myself in my room when no one was home to see how loud and high I could sing, and how long I could hold a note," she says. "I'm sure it sounded like mating season, but I knew that's what it would take to develop a big, powerful voice." She also figured out how to play the piano ("I wanted to be like Elton John") and eventually guitar at age 17.

From then on, Carlile performed everywhere she could. She even took a job as a back-up singer for a local Elvis impersonator, an experience she credits with teaching her how to layer vocals and sing harmonies. A few years later, Carlile began to book herself and her band (Seattle natives and twin brothers Tim and Phil Hanseroth) at restaurants around the city--the local chowder house, a popular sports bar and grill, and at any wedding or birthday party that would hire her, just so she could practice.

"I've never had a real job," she says. "I've insisted that I do nothing but play music and not let my head go anywhere else. If that means playing in a smoky bar for three hours, five nights a week, that's fine. It's discipline. It teaches you how to grab your audience, no matter who they are."

Carlile's determination and work ethic paid off in late 2004 when she signed with Columbia Records, home to several of her favorite artists, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin, and James Taylor, whom she has shared a stage with. The timeless quality of her debut album for Columbia, Brandi Carlile, is proof of her intention to become a classic artist alongside her labelmates.

The album is a showcase for Carlile's expressive voice, which can turn from a tough, bluesy growl to a vulnerable, aching falsetto on a dime. The catch in her throat before she launches into those alpine high notes is reminiscent of her idol, country singer Patsy Cline.

"Patsy Cline had a really gutsy, powerful voice," she says. "I identify with that. I've gone through all sorts of vocal phases, from pop to blues to R&B, but no matter what I do, I just can't get the country & western out of my voice."

Rather than fight it, Carlile makes good use of the country flavor by juxtaposing it with dark, otherworldly melodies on songs like "Follow" and "Tragedy". Think of a female Roy Orbison or Radiohead's Thom Yorke fronting a roots-rock band and you're not far off. The contrast led Rolling Stone, which named her one of their 10 Artists to Watch in 2005, to declare: "Carlile's ethereal, melancholy ballads have a spare heartache that reflects her love for old-school country...but she loves new-school mopers like Radiohead and Jeff Buckley just as much". Indeed, those artists' influence can be felt on the simple, acoustic strummers "Happy", "Gone" and "Tragedy". Other musical stand-outs include "Throw It All Away" and "Fall Apart Again".

The ten sublime gems on Brandi Carlile were recorded sporadically throughout 2004 in Seattle, some at Carlile's home in bucolic Maple Valley, Washington. "I live in a log cabin and the ceilings are really high, so it sounds great," she says. "We rented a Pro-tools set-up and put it smack in the middle of my living room." Some of the unadorned production comes courtesy of indie-stalwart producer John Goodmanson, who has worked with Sleater-Kinney and Blonde Redhead, and the rest was driven by Carlile and the twins. "We just went in and played the songs," she says. "It interrupted my whole world for weeks, but we made some really good music."

Brandi Carlile,Brandi Carlile,Red Int / Red Ink,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

Brandi Carlile

Average customer rating:

A brilliant & fresh approach
I <3 Brandi Carlile
Addictive
wish could give her 10 stars
This story isn't that great

The Story
Brandi Carlile
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Back to Black
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ASIN: B000NDIAWY
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Late Morning Lullaby
The Story
Turpentine
My Song
Wasted
Have You Ever
Josephine
Losing Heart
Cannonball
Until I Die
Downpour
Shadow on the Wall
Again Today

Amazon.com

The Brandi Carlile story so far is fairly short: fresh-faced singer-song writer from rural Ravensdale, Washington, quietly releases a 2005 debut that has critics and fans reaching for their thesauruses searching for appropriate adjectives to describe her voice. Patsy Cline, Jeff Buckley, kd lang, Beth Orton, Linda Ronstadt, and Aimee Mann get name-checked as Carlile and her guitar-and-bass-playing Hanseroth twins-led band criss-cross the country for two years, first as openers, then as headliners. Cue the overproduced, disappointing follow-up album? Not so fast. On The Story, Carlile teams up with veteran roots producer T Bone Burnett, who brings in vintage equipment and strips down her sound. Instead of using overdubs, the new songs--most of which were already road-tested--are recorded live, giving the ballads and midtempo rockers a tough, uncompromising edge and a fuller, more aggressive attack. Echoes of country and folk color the bucolic "Have You Ever" and the unadorned acoustic "Cannonball," but it's the sweeping drama of the more epic-sounding "Until I Die," "Late Morning Lullaby," and the U2-styled "My Song" that leave the greatest lasting impressions. Carlile and Burnett make a perfect team: he allows her malleable voice room to soar in the mix while she brings sharp original songs that exude confidence, pride, and emotion. It's a combustive combination and one that results in a sophomore release every bit as good, and in many respects better, than her first. Stay tuned as the story continues. --Hal Horowitz

Brandi Pics

From Amazon.ca

Brandi Carlile has a rare voice, consistently spilling over with honesty, purity, and passion. Her dynamic and tonal range is truly exceptional and on par with the likes of k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, and Patsy Cline--at times soft, swooping, and clear as a bell ("Turpentine," "Josephine," "Cannonball"), and then ferocious to the point of breaking ("The Story," "My Song"). A voice like Carlile's when paired with the right material is a winning combination, and The Story's country-meets-Radiohead ballads and rockers do not disappoint. While the songs on are not as consistently stellar as those on her self-titled debut album, they are more often than not solid, and show off her talents and confidence as both an artist and performer, which have fully bloomed since her debut. This, coupled with T Bone Burnett's light, live production style, creates an album that is ultimately more rewarding than her first. The high points on The Story have raised the bar considerably for Carlile, and they are frequent. Her choice to record the album in a live setting inside the studio lends it a raw intimacy and authenticity noticeably absent from most studio recordings, and leaves us with not only an album, but a work of art. Carlile is a career artist still defining her sound, but her maturity as a vocalist cannot be questioned--this is an immensely talented singer laying herself bare before us, and one of the strongest releases of 2007. --Alan Wiley

Customer Reviews:

A brilliant & fresh approach.......2007-07-20

Really enjoyed this release. She can burn like Melissa at times, fall back on senstive sounds like Kathleen Edwards when she wants. There are influences from 60s rock (Elton, Beatles, Mott), yet her distinct warble blossoms as a wildwood flower. I'm gonna find her debut CD.

If you gravitate toward other female singer-songwriter greats in league with Sarah Harmer, Alice Peacock or Jessica Sykes, this should work for you.

Indigo Girls guest on "Cannonball"

I <3 Brandi Carlile.......2007-07-15

This CD....*sigh*....is wonderful! This one and the one before it are both amazing. She is soulful and raw. She exposes her inner workings through her beautiful melodies.

Addictive.......2007-07-13

Brandi Carlile has a unique sound and I must admit that I wasn't sure I liked her at first. But a friend encouraged me to listen to "The Story" more closely. After hearing it a few times, I fell in love. Later, I heard "Turpentine" on Grey's Anatomy... wow! I bought the cd and am totally addicted. It stays in my car because I listen to it regularly. One of my all-time favorite songs is "Wasted".

wish could give her 10 stars.......2007-07-12

amazing young womsn love her music glad not one album wonder can not wait for her next dozen

This story isn't that great.......2007-07-12

The first three tunes are great - the rest of the album turns into Indigo Girls type rock - what happened to the Brandi Carlile from her first album? I guess these were the tunes thrown out and T-Bone Burnette was called to save the day - which he didn't do. Typical sophomore slump album.

Brandi Carlile - Brandi Carlile + ( Bonus Tracks )

Average customer rating:

OUTSTANDING
Fantastic Debut
THE FIRST OF TWO EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AND SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ALBUMS
Carlile's music should include a Warning Label: You will become a Carlile Addict
Always looking for new music

Brandi Carlile - Brandi Carlile + ( Bonus Tracks )
Brandi Carlile
Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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The Story
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ASIN: B000FP2ZM6
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

Follow
What Can I Say (New Recording)
Closer To You
Throw It All Away (New Recording)
Happy
Someday Never Comes
Fall Apart Again
In My Own Eyes
Gone
Tragedy
Sixty Years On (Live)
Tragedy (Austin Cello Version)

Customer Reviews:

OUTSTANDING.......2007-07-14

I can Honestly say, this is the best artist I have heard EVER! She is unique, REAL, and her voice is beyond compare. Songs are Honest and she sings about what we all can relate to.

Fantastic Debut.......2007-06-17

I know that many people caught on to Brandi from Grey's Anatomy, but I hope that they all chose to stay - this girl is a truly gifted singer-songwriter. I rarely review music, and when I do it tends to be the stuff I really like. There is something about Brandi's music that is catchy and heartfelt without feeling manufactured. The album is even all the way through and is the kind of thing you won't get tired of listening to. For fans of Terra Naomi, Jewel, Lisa Loeb, and similar sounding songstresses, this album will surely be one of your go to albums.

THE FIRST OF TWO EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AND SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ALBUMS.......2007-05-21

I recently bought BC's new album ('The Story') and I liked it so much that I decided to buy this one too (the version with 2 'bonus tracks' - so, strictly speaking, this is not her first album). I think we all have artists, whose voices we find so appealing, that we will go out and buy almost any of their albums; for me, Brandi Carlile is one such artist. In fact, I suspect that if she made a recording of 'The Amazon Terms and Conditions of Sale', I'd probably buy this too - it's that bad (my addiction, NOT her voice, I should hasten to add). The superlatives accorded to 'The Story' (also reviewed) are no less applicable here, so I won't bother repeating myself; instead, I will concentrate on the differences between the two albums (at least, as I perceive them) :

'The Story' combines some songs which are fairly dramatic (sometimes climactic) with others that are gentler and which have a strong 'folksy/rootsy' flavour. By comparison, on 'Brandi Carlile', although these influences are also present, many of the song structures and melodies are more conventional (more 'mainstream'). I'd say the songs have slightly stronger melodies with 'hooks' which give them more of a 'pop feel'; on the other hand, they don't seem to have quite the same intensity ('Sixty Years On' being one obvious exception) - but I think this has more to do with the types of song rather than any lack of commitment by BC.

With the possible exception of a couple of songs, the overall mood on 'The Story' is moderately sombre and this is reinforced by the absence of any up-tempo songs; however, on 'Brandi Carlile, there is much more variety in mood and tempo. On both albums, production is never overdone (so you get a very 'stripped down' sound) but I thought it was cleaner and more 'disciplined' on 'The Story'.

There isn't a single bad song here (or on 'The Story', for that matter); everyone will have their own favourites - here are a few brief comments about some of mine (songwriters in brackets):

WHAT CAN I SAY (Tim Hanseroth) - A mid-tempo very catchy song with a soft undulating melody giving it a 'folksy' feel; the addition of fairly emphatic percussion produces a song that 'rocks a bit' also.

CLOSER TO YOU (Brandi Carlile/Tim Hanseroth) - Another catchy song - this time fairly up-tempo; some of the acoustic guitar breaks remind me a little of early Simon & Garfunkel.

THROW IT ALL AWAY (Brandi Carlile/Tim Hanseroth) - A song which has relatively gentle passages alternating with more powerful ones and these have an intensity that is reminiscent of some of Roy Orbison's music.

HAPPY (Brandi Carlile) - Mid-tempo song with some really fluent guitar and delicate 'feathery' percussion; again, there is something here that reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel.

SIXTY YEARS ON (LIVE) (Elton John/Bernie Taupin) - A fine song this (as are many from EJ's first half dozen or so albums). It is a bit 'angst' laden so it may not appeal to everyone, but there can be no doubt that this is a potent rendition. You can detect some of EJ's vocal intonation in BC's singing but, nevertheless, she makes the song her own - there can't be many singers who can interpret EJ songs in a way that does them full justice.

As I am clearly 'hooked' on BC's music, my reviews will be biased; so, if you are thinking of buying either of her albums, it might be prudent to check out some of the less favourable reviews also (if you can find any). In terms of my enjoyment, I preferred 'The Story' (to put things into perspective - I enjoyed 'Brandi Carlile' very much, but The Story' just 'blew me away'!); but any differences that might exist between her two albums are slight. All I can say is that I find BC's voice and music very addictive - great stuff.

Carlile's music should include a Warning Label: You will become a Carlile Addict .......2007-04-20

She's the girl next door, with the vocal roar of a tiger. She will command your attention with her musical instincts and aptitude! If you worry about purchasing a freshman CD from a newcomer...Worry NOT! She is a phenom with unparalleled vocal dexterity....to be placed among the respected ranks of music's classic icons.

(Fair Warning! Listening to this CD may result in a Carlile Listening Addiction)

Always looking for new music.......2007-04-01

This album is magic. A year ago I was waiting in the checkout line at Barnes & Nobels, and heard one song in the background from this album that I liked, then another and another. At first, I wasn't paying attention, but her voice drew me and I bought the CD. I'm glad it did. I have listened to it dozens of times since then. The poetry of the lyrics takes time to settle in, but the music is sweet from the start. I don't know why she isn't better known. That one experience, standing at BN, is the only time I've heard her outside of my music collection. Can't wait for "The Story" to come out.

Average customer rating:

Brandi aims high
outstanding
Brandi Carlile Set the Bar for Musical Authenticity
Brandi's on her way to greatness here...
Awesome

The Story (Digi-Pak)
Brandi Carlile
Manufacturer: SONY
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Story
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Translated From Love
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A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection

ASIN: B000NDEZPA
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Late Morning Lullaby
The Story
Turpentine
My Song
Wasted
Have You Ever
Josephine
Losing Heart
Cannonball
Until I Die
Downpour
Shadow on the Wall
Again Today

Amazon.com

The Brandi Carlile story so far is fairly short: fresh-faced singer-songwriter from rural Ravensdale, Washington, quietly releases a 2005 debut that has critics and fans reaching for their thesauruses searching for appropriate adjectives to describe her voice. Patsy Cline, Jeff Buckley, kd lang, Beth Orton, Linda Ronstadt, and Aimee Mann get name-checked as Carlile and her guitar-and-bass-playing Hanseroth twins-led band criss-cross the country for two years, first as openers, then as headliners. Cue the overproduced, disappointing follow-up album? Not so fast. On The Story, Carlile teams up with veteran roots producer T Bone Burnett, who brings in vintage equipment and strips down her sound. Instead of using overdubs, the new songs--most of which were already road-tested--are recorded live, giving the ballads and midtempo rockers a tough, uncompromising edge and a fuller, more aggressive attack. Echoes of country and folk color the bucolic "Have You Ever" and the unadorned acoustic "Cannonball," but it's the sweeping drama of the more epic-sounding "Until I Die," "Late Morning Lullaby," and the U2-styled "My Song" that leave the greatest lasting impressions. Carlile and Burnett make a perfect team: he allows her malleable voice room to soar in the mix while she brings sharp original songs that exude confidence, pride, and emotion. It's a combustive combination and one that results in a sophomore release every bit as good, and in many respects better, than her first. Stay tuned as the story continues. --Hal Horowitz

From Amazon.ca

Customer Reviews:

Brandi aims high.......2007-07-08

We listened to Brandi live when she opened for Train in Madison, WI sometime ago. For her -I'm sure- it was a tall order considering how powerful Train is while playing live. Yet, she was up to the task with a superb voice. Then when she signed our CD (her first), we were so flabbergasted by her young age and charm. Intriguingly in her two CDs the sound does not reflect her vocal prowess.

I tend to agree with prior reviews about a bit of lackadaisical creativity/energy in the middle of this CD (compared to her first one). Yet, Brandi's soft melodical vocalization mellows that inconsistency, such as in the first part of "Again Today".

Nonetheless, one song makes this whole album valuable: "The Story". When I bought the CD I had to repeat it several times just to make sure it was for real: "All of these lines across my face / tell you the story of who I am / so many stories / of where I've been." And then, as the song progresses there's this guitar solo so simple but so timely. And then there's the powerful beat of those drums anticipating the climax: Brandi screaming at the top of her lungs "ALL OF THESE LINES ACROSS MY FACE!!!!" If you want the full effect, just close down doors and windows and raise the basses a bit (you need those drums to pound your heart), and turn up the volume. Sing-along... if you can follow Brandi's vocal fireworks.

Memorable!

outstanding.......2007-06-12

i just recently purchased "the story" after hearing the title track on the radio....i have to say i have been listening to the album non-stop since i got it. it's so fresh and distinctive...i can't get enough of it. there's so much emotion in every song...and her voice are so raw and soulful.

don't know what else to say except "bravo"'....seriously this album is amazing.

Brandi Carlile Set the Bar for Musical Authenticity.......2007-04-20

CD Review: In an age which seems to display a notion that music is more about image over vocal strengths, Brandi Carlile is more than a breath of fresh air. Each song is a showcase of dynamic musicianship, from exceptional melodies to perfect harmonies. Her sound is smooth, confident, powerful,and achingly perfect. She exhibits dynamic musical instincts to punctuate the intended mood of her lyrics- smooth tones; swooping notes; heart-felt pitches; emotionally pure vocal somersaults; raw edges; and an occasional soft vibrato. Carlile always seemed to nail it! Lending itself to Carlile's credibility as a noteworthy vocalist, is decison to reject Protool plug ins while recording her music. These plug ins are widely used in the music industry to correct the vocal faux pas and sour notes of today's most famous singers. Carlile chose to demonstrate her voice in an unusual straight-to-tape recording, keeping authenticity to the collection. What you hear IS exactly how it was delivered in the studio, without computer trickery. This pure method of recording provided the timeless feel, that Carlile strived to maintain. Still early in her career, Carlile's vocal dexterity already extends beyond most seasoned vocal icons. "The Story" is a shining example of her organic musical vision, and it has resulted in a herculean outcome. The CDs many strengths should swiftly propel Carlile among the finest in her genre. She has abundantly displayed her worth as a singer, musician, and lyricist. Most importantly, she has assumed a position as being "credible" and "authentic" among her peers in the music industry, and by those who know her work.

Song Review: "Again Today".
Don't underestimate this song! It has some of the disc's most vocally honest moments. The track begins as if the listener could be hearing Carlile's personal reflections, she asks "It's words that hurt the most, now , isn't it?" . Can one detect faint sarcasm? Onward, Carlile's vocal acrobats demonstrate a haunting poignancy, as she ponders "Whose going to break my fall, when the spinning starts?" It is her vocal splits, that superbly color these forlorn words. Each verse progresses, with a subtle tip-toeing crescendo...as if Carlile is leading you down the "path of least resistance" along with her...but don't be fooled. The climactic moment is an emphatically delivered protest "Not today...Not today!!!"

Additonal Songs: "Josephine" and "The Story". I was interested to learn that bandmates did not realize "Josephine" was being recorded, as they practiced the song in one microphone. It is that actual one time delivery that made it to the CD...perfectly sung in one take, from the first note to the very last. Harmonies were spot-on, and "the twins" proved their harmonic aptitude. The title song "The Story" speaks for itself. The song builds in strength to what many consider to be among the best highlights of the entire CD...the final chorus where Brandi's voice cracks. Despite the slip, Brandi pushed forward and belted out the remaining lyrics. She made the decison to keep it genuine, thus the technicality would stay. She validated the decison by describing the vocal mishap as "technically wrong, but emotionally right". Others have referred to it as song's "beautiful mistake". The vocal nuances in this CD, is what contributes to truth and texture of this very fabulous and authentic collection.

Brandi's on her way to greatness here..........2007-04-13

I would actually give "The Story" 4 and a half stars...Brandi and the twins haven't released their masterpiece YET, but based on this "story", it will happen sooner than we think.

This simply is a great record, with lots of layers, variety, emotion, power, subtlety, all in a great alt-country/roots-rock/folk sound, and well-written lyrics. Thing is, these songs were written scatteredly over the course of many years, with Brandi testing her mettle as a singer-songwriter. Looks like the great T-Bone Burnett, who produced this work, went over Brandi's (and the twins') stash of songs and picked out the best 13 (14 if you include the evocative final unlisted track), and sequenced them the best way possible.

Simply, the album flows like a well-written novel, with chapters and a beginning, middle and end. It's a nice evolution from her fine, self-titled 2005 debut.

There are tons of highlights, like my fave, the rocking "My Song", the mood-shifting title track, the organ-flowing and megamelodic "Losing Heart", the plaintive and moving "Cannonball" (featuring The Indigo Girls, who add beautiful harmonies to Brandi's malleable voice...like Lucinda Williams, Kathleen Edwards, Anne McCue, even like a grittier k.d.lang or an American KT Tunstall...and you can tell the girls were impressed with Brandi's song)...everytime you pop on "The Story", you will come up with a new favourite. I like this limited-edition packaging too, just like a mysterious book.

What struck me first about "The Story" was I saw the album first ON VINYL baby!!! The packaging fits the vinyl format like a glove, and it's a 2-record set...instant collector's item the way Brandi's career will take off. Then I saw T-Bone produced, then I saw Brandi's & the twins' Leno performance of the title track, and I was blown away.

This record will make an impression on you, guaranteed...it's one of the finest of 2007, and will make MANY best-of lists, you'll see. People will be talking about "The Story" at year's end, it just might get a Grammy nod as well...I'm just shocked that Lucinda Williams hasn't been spreading the word, like "Brandi's my new fave artist", like she did Kasey Chambers.

I liked Brandi on her debut...now I love her on "The Story"...

VERY impressive record...a work of art really...

Awesome.......2007-04-10

Rarely does an album grab me and command it's full attention during the first listen. The Story did just that.
This CD is well worth the purchase, with wonderful original songs by Brandi and the band. It is very refreshing to hear a collection of songs that doesn't sound all 'cut and paste' which is a norm lately. This sounds like a friendly group of talented people playing live in your room. Well done.

Seriously, I smell a Grammy nod....

Average customer rating:

Can't stop listening
WOW
Carlile's Vocal Dexterity Is the Shining Star
More than a pleasant surprise...
Love this album!

Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile
Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Eye To The Telescope
The Story
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ASIN: B0009U5FZ6
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

Follow
What Can I Say
Closer To You
Throw It All Away
Happy
Someday Never Comes
Fall Apart Again
In My Own Eyes
Gone
Tragedy

About the Artist

Authentic. That's the first word that springs to mind when you encounter Brandi Carlile. From her rootsy bell-clear voice to the palpable emotion that seeps through every song on her stunning debut album, everything about this 23-year-old from rural Washington state is the real deal.

Carlile's determination and work ethic paid off in late 2004 when she signed with Columbia Records, home to several of her favorite artists, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin, and James Taylor, whom she has shared a stage with. The timeless quality of her debut album for Columbia, Brandi Carlile, is proof of her intention to become a classic artist alongside her labelmates.

Rather than fight it, Carlile makes good use of the country flavor by juxtaposing it with dark, otherworldly melodies on songs like "Follow" and "Tragedy". Think of a female Roy Orbison or Radiohead's Thom Yorke fronting a roots-rock band and you're not far off. The contrast led Rolling Stone, which named her one of their 10 Artists to Watch in 2005, to declare: "Carlile's ethereal, melancholy ballads have a spare heartache that reflects her love for old-school country...but she loves new-school mopers like Radiohead and Jeff Buckley just as much". Indeed, those artists' influence can be felt on the simple, acoustic strummers "Happy", "Gone" and "Tragedy". Other musical stand-outs include "Throw It All Away" and "Fall Apart Again".

Customer Reviews:

Can't stop listening.......2007-05-26

I heard Brandi for the first time on the Saturday Early Show. I literally ran across the house to see who owned that powerful voice. I bought both her self-titled CD and The Story the same day. I think I have developed an addiction to her music. Her voice is so captivating and emotionally charged. I love the slight roughness and twanginess to her voice. I can't even choose a favorite song because they are all wonderful in there own right. I have already told tons of people to buy her music because of the effect it has had on me.

WOW.......2007-05-15

NOTE: I am reviewing the song "The Story" because it's the only one I've heard all the way through (I got it for free with itunes free weekly single).

Amazing talent. I'm considering buying the whole album.

Carlile's Vocal Dexterity Is the Shining Star.......2007-04-20

More than a pleasant surprise..........2007-03-20

Still Highly underrated and unknown to even be showing on here with less than a hundred reviews as yet. (Though I would have thought the featured bits on 'Greys' would be of some help - which is where I first heard her myself admittedly) This album was so much more than a pleasant surprise. Brandi has such a strong heartfelt voice with the ability to wrap and bend with and around heartstrings just as well as it does any of this album's chords and lyrics. Unlike SO MANY other albums I've heard in quite awhile, there's nary a 'filler' song among the whole bunch here. Virtually all it's tracks stands, even on first listen, as if meant to be there unquestionably. All the more impressive considering this is a debut album. Very much recommended.

Love this album!.......2007-03-03

Brandi has a beautiful voice!! If you like rock tinged with folk stripped of typical studio synths you will love this! If you can get it, check out Brandi's version of Hallelujah on itunes as well as the new single from her upcoming album! She's great.

Average customer rating:

More great music, but frustratingly short!
If you want a taste of greatness...
Fantastic, of course!
Powerful performance by a dynamic musician
Amazing Live Album

Live at Neumo's
Brandi Carlile
Manufacturer: Red Ink
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000E5LGAO
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

Late Morning Lullaby
Hiding My Heart
The Clock
What Can I Say
My Song

Customer Reviews:

More great music, but frustratingly short!.......2006-09-29

I'm a big Brandi fan and this album does not disappoint, but it is so short it left me craving more! I also love live albums because you get to learn a little about the artist and its always fun to compare their speaking voice to their singing. I can't wait for her next full album release!

If you want a taste of greatness..........2006-07-28

If you want a taste of what Brandi Carlile is all about, check out this live collection. Only one track (What Can I Say) can be found on her most recent self-titled studio album, so it's more than worth the buy. Although, on this live EP, 'What Can I Say' is wonderfully laced with the cello - played by Phil Peterson. The other 4, 'Late Morning Lullaby', 'Hiding My Heart', 'The Clock', and 'My Song' are only featured here. 'My Song' is frequently performed in concert, so you might want to memorize this one. :)

In this live set, especially on tracks 1-3, you can truly hear Brandi's mellow side; great songs to relax to. Track 4 is an emotional version of 'What Can I Say' while track 5 is 'My Song'. You can get a great sense of her vocal range, pitch, and vocal talent on all of these tracks. However, you'll have to catch her in concert to really hear her rock out. Yes, seeing and hearing her live and in person IS better than just hearing her live on CD. Her covers of 'Creep' (originally by Radiohead), 'Folsom Prison Blues' (Johnny Cash), and Jeff Buckley's version of 'Hallelujah' are incredible and are always crowd pleasers. From her own collection, 'My Song', 'The Story', 'What Can I Say', and 'Throw It All Away' absolutely and positively showcase her voice. All in all, all 5 songs on this live CD deserve 5 stars.

If you've just been turned on to Brandi's music, you may not know that she has had three songs featured on "Grey's Anatomy" (What Can I Say, Tragedy (austin cello version), and Throw It All Away) and after you listen, you'll know why. The band's next studio album is scheduled to be released in early 2007. 'My Song' and 'The Story' are expected to be part of their sophomore release from their current label, Aware.

After you take a listen to this CD and most DEFINITELY if you catch her live, you won't be able to resist buying her full-length CD (available in 2 versions) if you haven't already. It's only a matter of time before Brandi and the band hit it big - really big - so, enjoy!

Fantastic, of course!.......2006-06-24

Brandi Carlile live is like no other experience. She creates a witty and warm environment, combined with some truly amazing vocal talent and songwriting ability. Having just returned from my second Brandi show, let me tell you that the studio album does not do her justice. This EP, however, is a perfect introduction to the true artistry of Ms. Carlile!

Edited 4/7/07: Please y'all don't purchase this record for $39.95 from the Amazon sellers. Google "brandi carlile live at neumo's" and you'll find plenty of cheap and legal alternatives.

Powerful performance by a dynamic musician.......2006-02-26

After hearing Brandi Carlile's self titled debut and catching a spectacular show in Birmingham, Al. I purchased this CD as soon as I possibly could. As amazing as her studio album is seeing Ms. Carlile live offers a truer glimpse into her diverse musical talents. The albums first track, Late Morning Lullaby, is the type of throw back song that may well be better than any of the songs it is attempting to emulate. The final track on the album, My Song, is Brandi's finest attempt at rocking out, that I've heard, and successfully blends her earnest voice and superior lyrics with a powerfull rock song. Her Guitarist Tim Hanseroth's song, What can I say, is the only recording off her self titled album to make this live record, but Hanseroth's new recording found here, Hiding My Heart Away, is as catchy as his other song that Brandi records.

During her show Ms. Carlile mentioned that she and the twins had around 25-30 songs to choose from for their next album. One can only hope they begin with Late Morning Lullaby, My Song, Hiding My Heart Away, and include 'Shadow on the Wall' and 'Eye of the Needle' from the EP that they sell at their shows as the former is an example of Brandi at her strongest vocally and the latter is among her best written songs.

One final note of interest. On the back picture of this album, it appears Brandi has a tattoo of Kenny Rogers face on her upper arm. And that is awesome!

Amazing Live Album.......2006-02-04

The phrase "a little bit a country a little bit a rock n' roll," comes to mind when I describe Brandi's awesome new album: Live From Neumo's.
"My Song" is an amazing and powerful song with an alluring alternative rock sound while her song "Late Morning Lullabye" a beautiful and rhythmic folk sound that will have you pushing the back button on your CD player so you can hear it again and again and again. Buy this album!

Brandi Carlile's concerts will also blow you away. I've been to two concerts so far and hearing the songs live is like you've taken a vacation to music heaven. And it's true she knows how to keep her audience coming back for more!

Average customer rating:

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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
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