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The Ellen Cherry Primer WARNING: This cd will capture your attention and set your imagination on fire. That should be on the front cover (which is pertty darned clever in it's own right). By the way, as far as a do-it-yourself recording world goes, even the artwork was done by the drummer/precussionist Drew Moody. Local songstress Kristin Putchinski (a.k.a.Ellen Cherry) had done what few can really do these days and that is write good songs across several genres and do it well. Immediate comparisons to Sarah Harmer, Jonatha Brooke, etc. come to mind BUT...Ellen Cherry has done what even they have not and literally has comprised a collection of songs representing folk-rock, alt-rock and acoustic-artsy-pop. I really must say that all 3 genres are well represented.
The record begins with perhaps it's best tune (Sun's Afire). You are guaranteed to crack a smile when you hear Kristin's airy voice accompanying a cute little melodic acoustic guitar line. The song bounces well and sets the tone for the whole record. The Ellen Cherry Primer (as the record is called) rocks hard at times (despite what the cartoon characters wrote on the chalkboard) especially on (Uncrossed) which couples a funky driving beat with some tounge-in-cheek lyrics ..."I uncross my legs just to see your reaction". Putchinski's lyrical ability is also highlighted in (Driving Me To Tears).."you can kiss me with your words....you can tell me where it hurts". Another standout track is (Jezebel), which meanders and floats and really just keeps you on the edge of your seat. Cowboy Junkies would be proud. A classic tale of traveling and love I think..."...we left the light a few years back, I thought the road would draw us home". This is good stuff folks, really good stuff.
After a few listens you begin to realize that there a several instruments used in very unique ways such as cello, mandolin and even a toy glockenspiel provided by bassist/guitarist Andy McCallum who does a wonderful job throughout the record at carrying a 3 piece band along with drummer Drew Moody. This is a trio that is headed for good things. The lo-fi quality of this record is it's charm. All I can say that if this is just a primer I cannot wait for the final coat.
- I really liked this album. It has songs with thoughtful lyrics and they tell a story with an alternapop sound which I happen to like. Ellen Cherry reminds me of The Smiths mixed with the Sundays or Throwing Muses and I enjoy the "did it ourselves" recording quality of the sound. Songs that stand out for me are "6-4-4" and "waste of time" which I found myself singing to myself when not listening to the CD. Downplaying the other eleven songs would be a crime too. In all a great effort and I look forward to the next one. So get yourselves a copy of this one for the archives and if you happened to be in New York and took a bunch of instruments from Ellen Cherry..... Give 'em back!