Search - Kay Hanley :: Cherry Marmalade

Spread the word: Kay's solo debut is a nice jam session.

Doghouse King | Omaha, NE United States | 08/22/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With this album, Kay imparts on a transition to a more "mature" sound. Ordinarily when I hear that term, I interpret it to mean "thick pontificating" or "slower" or "nearly dead." But it suits Kay just fine here, and rather than being a criticism, it instead means more wistful lyrics, more intricate melodies and less reliance on throbbing guitars (although Michael still cranks it up in spots, naturally). And rest at ease, fans: her vocals are as intense and wide-ranging as ever.I started to do a song-by-song rundown of the CD, comparing each to previous of Kay's songs. I soon realized that was in vain, since this is kind of an experimental album for her, and bears little strict resemblance to any Letters to Cleo release (other than to say that it in general has more in common with leisurely cuts like "Alouette and Me" and "Step Back" than with grinding rock such as "Fast Way" or "Disappear").My personal favorites here do happen to be the "harder-edged" songs (Mean Streak, Made in the Shade), but there really are no bad ones to be found; I even enjoyed the occasional steel guitars quite a bit. Yet if you are one of those who favor "Do What You Want" over "The Wuss Song," maybe you ought to give it a listen before buying. (Cleo-philes will excuse all the name-dropping I am doing.)Cherry Marmalade is a step down from Kay's highwater mark of "Go!" But all in all, a very well-turned piece of work, worth the wait. That said, I can't wait for Kay's next project.See also: Everything else Kay ever had a hand in (including lesser-known stuff like Generation O); Nina Gordon; Aimee Mann; Juliana Hatfield; That Dog"

If you do not know Kay Hanley...you should be arrested!!

pchat19 | Hurricane, WV United States | 05/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know. You're sitting there thinking Kay Hanley who?? You've
possibly not even heard of her former band Letters to Cleo but let
me assure you that anonimity should not be confused in this
case with untalented. Kay has what I consider to be the best
voice in rock today, treading the lines between sexy, innocent,
melodic and powerful. It's been a few years since LTC so sadly
departed from the music scene, but this solo effort quenches the
thirst. Displaying a more mature songwriting style, Kay shows that she
not only has a great voice, but an equally sharp mind. She bares
her soul with her most personal lyrics to date. This album features no less than 8 stellar tracks and is a rarity in
todays music scene in the sense that it can be played from
beginning to end with no need for skipping. Tracks such as (#2)
"This Dreadful Life", (#3) "Satellite" and (#5) "Sheltering Sky"
showcase Kays ear for pop rock melody with their intoxicatingly
fresh hooks (courtesy of hubby Michael Eisenstein) and "too good
for Top 40 radio" polish. Track (#7) "Made in the Shade" is an alt
rock gem, with guitars courtesy of fellow Bostonian Jen Trynin,
that bangs out power chords to echo the woulda-coulda-shoulda
tone of the song. ""...but first do your worst, I've got my best
happy-ending face on...". For me, the highlight track of the album is track (#8) "Faded
Dress". One of the most emotionally charged tracks on the disc,
this song should be destined for the top of the charts with it's
"Hey that's how I feel" appeal and incredibly well composed lyrics
complemented by the perfect not too slow, but not too hard
music. In Kay's words "...forget the love and just bring the happy." I've rambled enough...suffice it to say that the other unmentioned
tracks are all fantastic in some or many other regards. (#12)
"Trans-Neptunian Object #1" is difficult to categorize but even
more difficult to get out of your head once it is there. That is the
magic of this album. It is full of great writing that finds its way into
your memory because of it's exciting, intelligent, seductive and
fresh delivery....courtesy of the criminally overlooked and
underappreciated angelic voice of Kay Hanley. In terms of musical
quality, album of the year is no stretch.....find out for yourself. PChat19"

Kay's back

Jonathan | Lowell, MA United States | 08/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Cherry Marmalade" is the debut release from Kay Hanley, the former lead singer of the now defunct Boston band Letters to Cleo. "Cherry Marmalade" not only brings the Cleo sound back to the music scene, but it allows for Kay to branch out into more mature territory with "Faded Dress", "Galapagos", and the country-like "Happy to Be Here". "This Dreadful Life", "Satellite", and "Mean Streak" are three of the CD's most "poppy" songs, with catchy lyrics that could give Kay a massive hit. Hopefully, "Cherry Marmalade" will break Kay into the main stream. This CD is proof that she deserves all the popularity she receives. It's a must have."