Search - Melanie Doane :: Adam's Rib

All about Eve

Troy | the Netherlands | 09/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Melanie Doane is one of the names that i came across as i randomly
wandered through Amazon.com's music shop, following the references to
related artists that appear on the left side of each item page. A
number of reviews and some sound bytes persuaded me to take a chance
and order her CD through zShops. Having heard the album a couple of
times, i am pleased to say that she made me a believer."Adam's
rib" apparently is the second release by this Canadian
singer/songwriter, her 1997 debut being the oddly titled
"Shakespearean fish". Her style may be described as acoustic
based poprock with something of a country flavor, due to the prominent
role of her instrument of choice, the violin. Although the way she is
portrayed on the booklet's front and back cover suggests otherwise, i
found no mention of her playing guitar in the individual song
credits. Six-string duties are primarily performed by producer Rick
Neigher and one John Shanks. Melanie Doane features on vocals, violin,
piano and mandolin, while the keyboard end of affairs is handled by
Kevin Savigar. Their names sound only vaguely familiar, unlike those
of contributing guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Tim Pierce. Title
track "Adam's rib" is a perfect opener, with a refrain that
instantly nestled in my mind and stuck with me ever since. Melanie's
pleasant voice on this wonderful tune is supported by splendid harmony
vocals, deft violin chords and an excellent guitar solo. Although this
is my favorite song on the album, there is still plenty left to enjoy
on the 11 remaining tracks. All of which at least partially flowed
from her pen. Throughout the entire album Melanie Doane proves she has
a knack for composing extremely catchy songs with choruses that are
not easily forgotten, whether it be a low-key, intimate cut like
"Good gifts" or an uptempo, cheerful song like "Happy
homemaker" with its mildly ironic lyric ("barefoot and
pregnant never looked so good"...yeah, right). The girl obviously
has a sense of humor, dedicating "Can't take my eyes off
you" to her television set. I would have to go along with most of
my reviewing colleagues in saying that "Adam's rib",
"Happy homemaker", "Waiting for the tide",
"How you cried" and "The space between us" are the
definite highlights. "Mel's rock pile" is a non-vocal track
with a slight Irish feel, reminding me of some instrumentals i've
heard perform by The Corrs.This Juno award winner should not be
dismissed as one of those Lilith Fairian types who
"tailgate" the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Tory Amos. She
seems to have more of an attitude in the musical sense of the phrase,
her material sounding less pretentious and heavyhearted. Imagine a
cross between Sheryl Crow, Amanda Marshall, Jann Arden and Melissa
Etheridge and you'll have a fair idea of what to expect. Melanie Doane
is a talented newcomer who is likely to turn some heads in the near
future. Check out her album now and you'll be able to say that you
knew her way back when.
"

The best cd I've ever owned

taramcclay | Highland, Indiana USA | 12/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard the song "I Can't Take My Eye's Off You" on my absolute favorite episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and, because it was on that episode, had to have the song. Then, I heard the rest of the cd. I haven't stopped listening to it since. She is like a cross between Sarah McLachlan and Jonatha Brooke. Absolutely amazing. Plus, her guitar player, John Shanks, is Melissa Etheridge's guitar player. That makes her even better. I think that "Goliath" is the best song on the cd, although the instrumental, "Mel's Rock Pile" is amazing. Her voice is so amazingly wonderful. I've gotten all of my friends hooked on her and tell people to buy this cd because she needs to be REALLY popular! She's wonderful and this cd is amazing."

One of the greatest underrated musicians of our time.

John P. Bohtis | Streetsboro, Ohio | 08/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Words cannot describe the kind of talent Melanie Doane has. To say that she is mystical would be a gross understatement. There's a power to her music that carries through each and every one of her songs. Adam's Rib was my first encounter with Melanie and I have since then been, without a doubt, hooked. After hearing this CD I was compelled to track down her other releases (Harvest Train, Shakespearean Fish and her most recent, Melvin Live) and each one is filled with the thorough, consistent quality of Adam's Rib. Now if only she'd play more US tour dates ..."