Search - Melanie Doane :: You Are What You Love

Not as strong as her previous record, but quite good.

D. Mok | Los Angeles, CA | 02/19/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Melanie Doane's first record, Shakespearean Fish, was a fairly erratic record, sounding uncertain of its own identity. But with sophomore album Adam's Rib, Doane had crafted an outright pop classic -- an album which mixes her violin skills, robust voice, and rock sensibilities into a coherent and unique whole, greatly helped by producer Rick Neigher's clean pop production.



After time off to have a baby, Doane came back with a good live record (Melvin Live) and this studio album, and unfortunately, the songwriting is not quite up to the par of Adam's Rib. As with Tanya Donelly, Doane's songwriting got less concise, with overlong verses and less satisfying builds. And the soundscape is also weaker, with less of an organic band sound. Adam's Rib sounded like the organic sound of a six-to-seven-piece band playing together; You Are What You Love sounds more like individual musicians playing in separate rooms in separate sessions, plugging direct into ProTools. Most of this record makes a good case for the warmth of analog tape recording as championed by musicians like Neil Young and Jack White.



The bottom line is still songwriting. "Still Desire You" has a weird but interesting acoustic-guitar hook, but the structure meanders, with a not-so-great verse leading to an unsatisfying chorus. Doane's multitracked harmonies sound great on "As I Am", but the melody isn't that memorable. "Wilma or a Betty Man" especially sounds synthetic; while the arrangement is interesting (with a breakdown that sounds like synthesized horn), the overall sound lacks the killer vibe of past songs like "Happy Homemaker" and "Waiting for the Tide". Doane still cooks up some great violin lines on "Mayor of Melonville", though, and "Bionic"'s Matthew Sweet guitar chug fits the cheeky lyrics well and carves a unique sonic position for itself.



I feel bad about my low-ish rating on this record, but I have to be honest. Adam's Rib was a fantastic discovery for me back around 1998, and easily my favourite record of that year (over equally worthy releases like Babacar's debut record, and Gillian Welch's Hell among the Yearlings). You Are What You Love just doesn't do it for me. Doane is still an artist to watch for and discover; I just don't think this record is one of her highlights, though it's also far from a nadir. Newcomers should start with Adam's Rib first and then decide whether the import price of this album is worth it."

More smart music from Melanie Doane!

teamwork23 | Nova Scotia, Canada | 06/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Music with broad appeal, this long-awaited CD is even better than Adam's Rib...everything about this album is good - great voice, Mel's own back-up vocals, thoughtful/fun lyrics, sweet guitar, great production.Still Desire You - instantly recognizable intro, nice rocky sound and infectious lyrics - making a big statement on Canadian radio right now, and video airing on MuchMoreMusic featuring scenes from "Black Swan" combined with Mel's usual rockin' performance shots. As I Am - a "sleeper" which begs to be listened to - starts quietly and builds into an amazing "anthem" to an enviable relationship...Wilma or a Betty Man - which one are you? listen and find out, or maybe you're a bit of both :) Can't stop humming this one!Way Past Blue - a wrenching, intelligent song that takes you into the depths and stays glued in your mind.Just a taste of this CD - a must for summer 2003!"

Melanie Doane is brilliant!...

Chris Kwan | Winnipeg, MB, CA | 05/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is brilliant!... All the songs on it are just great! She is the most underrated Canadian artist out there. Buy this album and support Melanie. This album is very fun and interesting. With the fun and catchy lyrics of "Still Desire You", "Wilma or a Betty Man" and "You Are What You Love", and the serious and mellow melodies on "As I Am", this record is a must for all Melanie fans, and those who are not hooked yetOnce you buy this album, you will never take it out of your cd player. Go buy it, support Melanie and buy more Melanie records!"