| Roses - Kathy Mattea | |
|
Reviewed by Jolene Downs
Kathy Mattea is releasing her Narada Records debut album, and it marks yet another turning point in her career. For this album she has explored her long love of the Celtic sound and paid tribute to her folk roots that first led her to perform in the music field. This album features several instruments, including Celtic whistles, fiddle, guitar, concertina and harmonium. Kathy is an accomplished guitarist and her guitar skills are featured along with her pure voice. She co-wrote two of the tracks on the album with Marcus Hummon.
All the songs are well written and have a story to tell. It is hard to pick out favorites, but I'll touch on a few of the songs. "That's All The Lumber You Sent" has a neat melody that just makes you want to sing along with it. It has a definite Celtic sound. If you really listen to the lyrics, it will make you sit and think about things. A man goes to heaven and is taken to the home that he spent his earthly lifetime building. Saint Peter leads him along, and they pass by all the huge mansions until they get to the equivalent of a shantytown. He wonders why the house is so small and is told that it is because that is all the lumber he sent to build it with.
I liked the instrumentals and melody on "Guns of Love." My toes tapped along through the whole song. It talks about the power of love and what might happen if we chose the heart when picking weapons of war.
Her husband Jon Vezner wrote the song, "Ashes in the Wind." It is a moving tribute to a friend who died prematurely. The melody is haunting and sad and Kathy's voice sounds strong and pure.
"I'm Alright" is another very good song lyrically. She says that no matter what has happened, she is all right. There is nothing that time won't fix. She may be a little banged up, possibly a little wounded and moving slower - but she is all right.
"Come Away With Me" is an invitation to her love. She says they should just go somewhere quiet and intimate and fall in love. It has a wonderful instrumental rhythm throughout the entire song.
"Junkyard" is talking about different things that are witnessed as far as human cruelty toward one another. The chorus maintains that the mind is not a junkyard, but holy ground. It is yet another song to make you really think about life and how you are living it.
"Isle of Inishmore," parts 1 & 2, is strictly instrumental. They are a fun listen and a great showcase of musical talent with the various instruments.
Bottom line is that I would recommend this album for anyone who likes to really listen to the song's message. The songs were all handpicked for their meaning and they are thought provoking by nature. While there are some slower songs, most are up-tempo and they are all easy on the ears. Kathy Mattea's voice has a unique quality and she has yet again set a new standard for herself.
Song List:
Album cover used with permission of Narada.
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
Click on the button below to find the best price for this CD and purchase it from a retailer on the Internet.
