films for radio (2001), is the 9th release by cincinnati-based over the rhine and represents the band's pinnacle of a better than 12 year career in the music biz. following several years touring as the opening act for the cowboy junkies and two attempts at self-distribution, before and after a disasterous deal with the now-defunct i.r.s. records, the band has taken a rocking chair on virgin's back porch records. and the label is a good fit for the not-quite-categorizable band.
the album, the second on back porch after a year 2000 re-release of the group's 1996 independent offering, good dog bad dog, is well-produced and thoroughly enjoyable, both for those of us who have been listening since the beginning and for new listeners who may have been introduced to otr on the multiple cowboy junkies' tours. karin bergquist's 'unmistakable' voice is still the perfect complement to linford detweiler's keyboards and writing, and these two have been the core of band since they formed in 1989. the sound of the band is more consistent from song to song on this outing and what had been high notes on previous albums is here the general output. track three, 'give me strength', written by dido, is haunting and masterfully interpreted by karin, who can reach and hold notes that the author herself could not dream of making.
to any who may be drawn to vocally driven beauty-rock like the cowboy junkies, dido, jewel, sixpence none the richer, or the innocence mission, i cannot more highly recommend this album so they may hear the way that form is absolutely supposed to sound.
juiced May 15, 2003 04:57 PM | pokes (0)