Shivaree Breach

I can certainly relate to Shivaree's cover choices.  At one time I also attempted one of John Cale’s best songs, “Fear is a Man’s Best Friend.” While their version is pretty, Ambrosia Parsley and Co. water it down to elevator or shopping music.  Similarly, “Fat Lady of Limbourg” stumbles without Brian Eno’s original punch and wit (the album on which it appeared, Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, is an alt/prog-rock classic).

Most puzzling of all is “I Close My Eyes.”  While the liner notes attribute it to Parsley and band mate Duke McVinnie, I could swear I’ve heard this great melody before, and better, by someone like the Cardigans, Blonde Redhead or even French songmeister Serge Gainsbourg (fabulously covered by Redhead).

Shivaree is pleasant in the vein of Belle and Sebastian or the Cowboy Junkies, who also make me yawn.  I’d like to like Shivaree, I really would.  But there are other liberals who can really rock, or do something interesting with trance/house music, the grandchildren of Prog Rock/New Wave, whatever this sleepy stuff is.

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Release Date: October 19, 2004
Tracks: 5 - Time: 19:27
Produced by: Shivaree & Others
Format: CD/EP
Website:

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Shivaree:

Shivaree - Vocals
Additional Personnel.