Search - Vanessa Lowe :: Barnacles of Joy

Very Pleasantly Surprised

D. A. Sebasstian | Seattle, WA United States | 07/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the owner of an indie record label, I hear alot of new music. When I came across the newest record from San Fran based singer - songwriter Vanessa Lowe, I was hesitant to put it in my CD player. Sure the packaging was visually pleasing and the title of the disc, "Barnacles Of Joy" was both humorous and insightfull, but I guess I've become a bit jaded as I approach 40 years in age. When I put the disc in the player I was pleasantly surprised. , The opening track "My Venom Lover" instantly got my attention. The folky acoustic guitar mixed with a Fench Riviarian melodica, acoustic bass and various percussion set a unique and powerful tone. Vanessa's voice was compelling and "real" sounding. I was impressed. However it was on the second track "Cut Me Once" that I knew I was hooked. The chorus line of the song, " I can take a man down, I can go downtown.." was defiant and aggresive. Almost punk, but in a completely organic musical context. Other highlights are the tender "Who Do You Believe," the reflective "Back From London," the thoughtful "30 Feet Deep" and the insrumental "But Wait..." Kent Sparling's production is awesome, with perfect mixes and instrumentation. Venessa's voice and guitar work have to be heard first hand. Soft at times like a purring kitten, then suddenly fierce like an angry lion, and every timbre inbetween. She also included the lyrics in the liner notes. A detail I always enjoy. Since I got my copy of Barnacles Of Joy, I've played it several times a day- every day. It is both inspiring musically and very refeshing in this age of Britany Spears and 'N Sync."