Search - Melanie :: Old Bitch Warrior

Melanie's stateside fans missed a gem

Charles - Music Lover | 07/07/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While there are a few retreads here, overall this European release from 1995 is a winner. Melanie's voice has matured, much like a fine wine. The cuts vary from folk to rock to country and even a little dance beat on the reworking of "Beautiful People" and Melanie's cover of "I Will Survive." It's too bad that Melanie has been ignored by the mainstream labels; she is a vastly underrated singer and songwriter. Those who are old fans will enjoy this collection. And if you are new to Melanie, this CD is a fine introduction. Give it a listen."

Something warm, but far away from the summer of love...

Charles - Music Lover | Phoenix, AZ, USA | 01/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"How could anyone pan an album with such a great title?



This album is full of great songs, but it does have an uneven quality about it. Truthfully, I didn't like "Old Bitch Warrior" when I first heard it, but it has grown on me and I am now very fond of the disc. It took some time for me to discover the underlying beauty of most of the performances.



There are a number of songs on the disc that Melanie recorded before. Two of the songs were better represented elsewhere: "Rock In the Road" (alternate title: "I Will Get Over") and "Freedom Knows My Name." There are also four of Melanie's classic songs that she re-recorded: "Beautiful People," "Candles In the Rain," "Ruby Tuesday" and "Look What They Done To My Song, Ma." These re-recordings, without taking away from the original versions, contemporize them without compromizing their integrity.



Melanie's vocals are so distinctive that, when she covers another artist's work, she usually recreates the songs as her own. Her version of Gloria Gaynor's "I will Survive" is outstanding. It's different from Gaynor's: less disco-oriented with a more plaintive delivery. Her rock and roll heart shows through on "You Don't Know Me" and "Any Time at All." Her warmth shows through, big time, on the ballads: "Something Warm" and "These Nights."



In "Summer of Love," Melanie recalls the glories of the Woodstock experience. The song was written for one of the Woodstock anniversary celebrations. Her work has developed so much since that time, though. This album is an important part of that legacy even if it is not its strongest link."

YAWN!

J. De Sousa | 06/08/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Oops, I thought that this album of new material by Melanie would be the album that would bring her back into the spotlight. We all have dreams I suppose. Well, it will have to remain a dream because this isn't the album. Uninspired is the best word to describe it. The title cut buries Melanie's voice in a mass of loud and insipid music.Her voice is there somewhere I suppose. "Beautiful People", yes, another version of this classic. Why is it here? Because it was a hit in Holland, I believe. The rest of this cd leaves me cold. One word of advice for Melanie, dump Peter Schekeryk as a producer; he's tired and obviously bored. Move into the 21st Century with a brand new sound; one that will capture the essence that made you Melanie in the first place."