Search - Cindy Alexander :: Smash

Smash, Cover to Cover, One of the Best!

Gary Smorzewski | San Diego, CA | 02/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The last band/album I picked as a cover to cover was
LIVE, Throwing Copper.
There haven't been many ,if any, since except possibly
Steve Earle's Jerusalem.
This album however has me back in good spirits singing
along with every tune, and I can say this will be my next pick.
The production is also first rate and shows the beauty
of not having the Music Machine dictating how the songs sound.
This can only be done when the artist has a choice on
what to record and how to record it.
Being the rocker I am at heart, Christian Nesmith's tracks are some of the best I have heard.
These songs are standouts for me. But the whole album and it's diversity tend to keep me listening over and over.
This one's a keeper and should catapult Cindy into the
spotlight she so much deserves.
I could go on and on however, you cannot read a record
album, so go buy a copy and listen to it already.
True talent shines.... Shine on Cindy!"

Smash IS a Smash

Gary Smorzewski | 04/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cindy Alexander is probably one of the most talented unknowns in the business. Although I love having her as a secret, it's time that the rest of the world discovers what L.A. music insiders have known for years - that Cindy is one of the best singer/songwriters of her generation. Smash is a journey through a sometimes warped, sometimes whimsical and sometimes all too familiar life that is brutally honest to the point of blushing. If you like rock, it's here. If you like groove, it's here. If you like lyrical ballad, it's here. If you want major label quality from an independent artist, it's here. A soundtrack for those ready to face insecurity, lonliness, angst, and love with some self depricating humor, razor sharp wit and ultimately, faith. An outstanding follow up to her debut (See Red), SMASH will not disappoint the discerning music fan. Highlights for me are Jamie (great production by Michael Lord - reminds me of the last Tori Amos record), I'm So Sad That You're Happy (hit song, produced by David Darling - Sheryl Crow and Aimee Mann fans will be won over) and Tour Song (angelic and deeply moving vocal, a la Sarah McLachlan or Chantal Krevazuk)."

High energy pop-rock from a great tunesmith

Vito Minerva | Italy | 11/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Cindy Alexander is an incredible tunesmith; every song she writes is catchy and grabs your attention from the first listening. The average quality being so high, it's difficult (if not impossible) to find stand-outs in her albums. Depending on your mood, you'll opt for the rock, energy-filled sound of Carnival Junkie, Idiot Child, Right On and the like or go for her more "diva"-like songs, often accompanied on the piano, such as 818, Tour Song and Only Love.
As the album's title suggests, though, the "smash" attitude is prevalent and her sophomore effort rocks more than her debut. In fact, with Smash she seems to have finally found the musical territory where she feels comfortable. Expect more high-octane, "to-be-played-loud" music from her future releases.
While I appreciate this development, nevertheless I miss the variety of her previous album. There, you could find more laid back songs (Time Falling Down, Better Than I Am, I See Stars), but also a funky piece of over six minutes (the fabulous Dresden, which literally gives you the feeling of what being exhausted truly is: just listen to it and you'll agree with me). To further prove my point, See Red also contains a song verging on country (Joei) and more accompaniments on piano (Prophet, I See Stars, City Astronaut), while I'm OK, Sick of Myself and In My Box in a way anticipate her recent movement towards more high-energy sounds.
I hope she will reconcile her drive to power pop with her natural eclecticism in the next album; then, she'll be a real 5-star artist.
To go back to the great tunesmith she is: she can even afford to leave out of Smash two great songs (and, by the way, two of my favourite) like Can't Take It All and Immortal ! (Go to mp3.com to listen to them)."