//  Many more opinions on the new one ...   - MF


From: Tom Gill (tgill@igc.org>                                    
Subject: Opinions on OVToo                                           

Well, as were we all (or most), I couldn't wait for my first break on
Tuesday to give me a chance to sneak out and get OVToo.  I couldn't find
it on the shelves at my local Hastings at first- bizarrely, this album
was put in the "rock" section, while all her other albums are in the
"country" section.  (No folk section in the store).  At least while I
was searching, I found the "Evangeline" album in the cutout bin- yet
another version of GCH in my collection now.

All in all, I have to say that this is a good, strong album, and the
array of performers Nanci has surrounded herself with is breathtaking.
Still, I'd have to say that it doesn't move me emotionally like "OVOR,"
and didn't seize me immediately like the first one did.  I wonder why?
In my *personal* opinion, this is my least favorite album since before
"Storms" (but it's still a darn fine album).  Yes, I'm a weirdo, but I
honestly like Nanci's last five or so albums the best of her whole
catalog- and I am one who REALLY liked BRFTM.  It's *not* that I don't
like folk music: OVOR would have to be one of my four or five desert
island discs, no contest.  It's just that, for some reason, none of
these songs and performances on OVToo REALLY reached out to grab a
corner of my soul as I am used to Nanci doing with her CD's.

Still, I think there are some great songs here.  I particularly (a minor
surprise) am enamored of Nanci and the Crickets' simple yet joyous take
on "Walk Right Back," and the cover of Richard Thompson's "Wall of
Death" is impressive.  And I don't think I've *ever* heard a more
stirring version of Woody Guthrie's "Deportee."  It's just that I don't
find myself singing along or humming them in my mind when I'm away from
my CD player.  And I do find her phrasing on several songs to be
strange- "Who Knows Where The Time ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... Goes" particularly gets to me and seems very inappropriate.

Still... any Nanci release is a cause for joy!  Now if only her buddies
the Crickets would drag her to WEST Texas...

-Tom Gill
 Lubbock, Texas
 tgill@igc.org

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: MMcLean7@aol.com                                            
Subject: Re:  OV2                                                    

In a message dated 7/23/98 7:37:09 PM, gshipley@perioikos.u-net.com wrote:

>It's a triumph! I acquired my copy on issue day from my faithful MG Disks
>of Leicester, and am on my second play through. It's already clear to me
>from some tracks that Nanci's voice is back at its lyrical best.

Her voice does sound better on the album, but remember the album was recorded
two years ago.

Mickey McLean
Greensboro, NC

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Deb Thornton" (dlt4@email.byu.edu>                         
Subject: in the tradition of the southern authors                    

The San Francisco Examiner reviewer observes:

"Griffith buoyantly continues to celebrate
songs that shaped her musical vista and
forged the modern folk tradition.
It's equal parts Capote and Caldwell"

Unfortunately, the reviewer makes an apt comparison,
and even more unfortunately,
it's a great step down from the years of
equal parts Welty and McCullers.

As for setting benchmarks for ensemble case albums, Flyer sets a
magnificent standard. She had many guests on that record, but it is still
distinctly and exquisitely a Nanci Griffith album.

deb "lonely hunter losing battles" thornton

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Gbt1@aol.com                                                
Subject: Re: NanciNet #98723                                         

I'm new to NanciNet and really love reading your letters. Since I live in a
small place off the coast of Texas that seems not to know her music (they're
Jimmy Buffet Fans), I feel very alone in that regard.  I have been listening
to her music for years and she is definitely my favorite musician in her
genre.  I lucked across this site when I --on a whim--searched her name on the
net.  I didn't expect to find anything but advertising and music stores.  This
is great.  Does anybody know if /when she will be in Texas (gulf coast)?   Or
even close?  I know she goes to Austin at times.  Thanks.  gail
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: SayraLiz@aol.com                                            
Subject: Re:  NanciNet #98723                                        

In a message dated 7/23/98 6:35:54 PM, you wrote:

((p.s.  Who is Mickie Mickens?  >>

Mickie is an incredible writer and singer that lives here in Austin texas.
She has written some real gems.  Her husband (plays guitar with me) Brian
wood, played with nanci for many years.  Mickey writes beautifully and from
the heart.
Sarah elizabeth Campbell

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: QUELIN@aol.com                                              
Subject: Letterman                                                   

I stayed up to watch.  I don't usually watch or even like David Letterman, but
one thing I always appreciate about him is that he adores her and treats her
better than any other guest.  I know that's not saying a lot considering how
he treats them, but he does seem to favor her and give her the respect he so
often fails to deliver other guests.  Just my opinion.  Please don't beat me
up.  Thank you kindly.

I was absolutely thrilled to see so many of the greats on stage with her, but
I confess that I was severely disappointed that she chose that song and only
sang the little that she did.  I guess I really like Nanci a lot, because
Rodney Crowell was standing there (haven't seen him in ages) and all I could
think of was "shut up & let her sing!"  That's not usually my Rodney frame of
mind.  Ahem...

I also wondered in she'd have had Townes Van Zandt there too, were he still
alive.  That kind of made me sad.

I'd also like to add that it says a lot about what a generous person she is to
give up the stage to people who don't normally find a television audience
outside of PBS.  If this is to be her last album (is that true?), it also says
a lot about her to pay tribute to those who inspired her rather than promote
herself alone.

Finally, to all those who consider themselves to be modern-day folkies, please
allow yourself to experience the magic of Guy Clark and the others if you have
not.  If you've not begun to experience the body of this music, you're missing
out on some great songs to sing with your guitar.

Thank you for letting me rattle.

Quelin

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Mike Chesman (chesman@preferred.com>                        
Subject: Re: Nanci and Gove Scrivenor                                

Hey!

Glad to see others have rediscovered Gove Scrivenor.  He gave a terrific
show at the Down Home in Johnson City, TN last spring.   In addition to the
Guy Clark references, I would say he has a bit of a Gordon Lightfoot "sound"
in a couple of his songs.  Shine-On is a very strong album with no bad
bananas in the entire bunch ...   However, you absolutely must see Gove
"live" to know what Lee is saying about Gove's autoharp playing, a true
virtuoso on the instrument.  And give yourselves all five bonus points if
you remember what Nanci album Gove appeared on!

Mike

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Gilliatt@aol.com                                            
Subject: Lyle Lovett                                                 

I noticed on OVR too that Lyle Lovett sings harmony on one song.  I thought
Nancy and Lyle weren't talking to one another due to a spat many years back.
When did they make up?

BluesVan
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Kristina Plath (steenie102@yahoo.com>                       
Subject: Concert dreaming....                                        

Hi All

Just thought I'd post a little piece I cooked up.  It's fiction, but
hopefully it will become truth is exactly....16 days 5 hours and 22
minutes.

The Nanci concert should be like Waltzing With the Angels.  We'll hit
the San Diego freeway doin' 60 mph, quite The Flyer, if you get my
drift.  Two For the Road, that's for sure.  No Southbound Trains or
Outbound Planes for us!  Dad, I'm your Brave Companion of the Road for
this trip.  For now, Everything's Comin' Up Roses, and that's no Down
n' Outer, but Never Mind.  Yup, we're bound for Saratoga, or is it
Tecumseh Valley?  I could've sworn the map said Deadwood, SD, but for
now we're Leaving the Harbor, and if we're gonna get lost, Say it

Isn't So.  We arrive a little late.  Whoa, Don't Forget About Me!

We claim our seats.  We won't be viewing Nanci From a Distance!  What
a great concert!  She was singin' as sweet as a mockingbird, in those
Boots of Spanish Leather.  She had This Heart Comin' Down In the Rain,
and now it's about to Turn Around and sing Do Re Mi!  The Sun, Moon,
and Stars changed places, and it's Ten Degrees and Gettin' Colder.
Sweet Dreams Will Come, but I'm paying attention to the Ghost in the
Music for now.  The end of the set neared, and we instantly wondered,
hey Nance, Is This All There Is?  Could you do another to save us from
Trouble in the Fields?  Yeah!  She Ain't Goin' Nowhere for now, at
least.  The clock chimed eleven, and she stated, "Well, I'll Move
Along, I'm Goin' Back to Georgia, but I Always Will be your Friend Out
in the Madness.  Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown, or maybe get
some Time Alone.  Anyway, Daddy Said I had to be back under the West
Texas Sun by Autumn.  He has his October Reasons.  Thanks for comin'!"
 And she was gone.

I felt like I was in Heaven as Dad made it through the Battlefield of
a traffic jam.  I prayed to St Teresa of Avila that we'd make it out
of there in time to catch a Morning Train!  We listened to the Radio
Fragile on the way back to the campground.  No Late Night Grande Hotel
for us!  If Wishes Were Changes, we'd be ridin' in the Ford Econoline
right along with the Angel from Austin.  But, It's Too Late now.

I dreamt about going Across the Great Divide someday, and awoke to
discover that It's Just Another Morning Here.  Ah, well.  We started
drivin' those Montana Backroads, until I said "Dad, this is Not My Way
Home!  There's A Light Beyond These Woods!  We should be on the Gulf
Coast Highway!"  It was obvious that we Can't Help But Wonder Where
We're Bound.  We drove past many Field of Summer, towards our Hometown
Streets.  I relied on Nanci to Talk to Me While I'm Listening as we
drove past Bewley's Store On Grafton Street.  The concert seemed like
So Long Ago.  As we drive along Falls Road, we pass many Drive-In
Movies and Dashboard Lights, and I feel like The Last of the True
Believers.  As our Wheels roll along the Road to Aberdeen, I catch a
fleeting glimpse of the Poet in My Window.

That's just my fantasy.  For now I Wish it Would Rain, so there won't
be any Storms during the concert.  The concert should be fabulous, but
Waiting for Love is no picnic.

Well, that was fun.  Ciao for now!

Kristina 'the forest for love songs' Plath

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: lbday@siu.edu (Lisa Day)                                    
Subject: Re: query                                                   

>Could someone please tell me the exact title of the Oxford American
>(book?) with the CD--and where I might get it. Thanx, Nana

Nana,

It's the second annual double issue on Southern music of the _Oxford
American_, the Southern Magazine of Good Writing.  I highly recommend it.
It's $7.50 for a great magazine and a wonderfully eclectic collection of
accompanying music.  It includes Nanci's "Dress of Laces."

Cheers,
Lisa "maybe OVToo will grow on me" Day
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "nancy abrams" (nanhum@hotmail.com>                         
Subject: OVT at Borders                                              

hope I am not redundant--Nanci got a plug on Borders' Home Page. Nana

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Linda Oliver (loliver@flash.net>
Subject: Friday, July 24, 1998: FEATURES

Here's another article on Nanci, from the Irish Times:

http://www.irish-times.com/irish-times/paper/1998/0724/fea1.html

Linda Oliver

_________________________________________________________________

From: AlunSmith@aol.com                                           
Subject: OV2                                                         

Hallo, I'm new to the Nancinet but a long time Nanci fan. I had been looking
forward to OV2, as the OVOR introduced me to wonderful artists such as John
Prine and the late lamented Townes Van Zandt. The first, admittedly cursary
listen to the new album left me dissapointed. I think the problem is that I
knew some of the songs and could make comparences. Her version of Richard
Thompson's Wall of Death does not compare with either the original or the
sublime cover by REM on Beat the Retreat, the Richard Thompson tribute album.
Still I will listen to OV2 again and again until I uncover the gems that are
sure to be buried there in the dirt.

On a more positive note, I bought Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels On A Gravel
Road as a result of reading the reports on the Nancinet and it is wonderful,
how did I miss out on her before.

Alun

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Poetmuse@aol.com                                            
Subject: NN: OV2                                                     

Greetings!

Hang in there Alun! I felt the same as you when I first popped in OVT. I have
refrained (so far) from sending in my first reactions/impressions to it
because I wanted to give it time to "steep" (like a good cup of tea) as it
were, into my consciousness. Other Voices, Other Rooms was/is such an
incredible album to me that I cannot help but compare & contrast the two.
In fact- all day yesterday I interplayed the two- and yes, the first album is
winning out- (for personal reasons really, more nanci- more personable songs)
but Other Voices Too *does* hold it's special treats and hidden gems. I
listened again this morning on headphones and was surprised at how many songs
had actually grown on me. Give "Yarrington Town" a couple dozen listens and
you might be surprised!! (and of course- this is the one song I think could of
happily been placed on the first album!) Wings of a Dove- with Lucinda will
grow on you, I believe- as will Try the Love and the beautiful Darcy Farrow.
What helped me was listening and reading the song book of lyrics as I went...
sort of put it in perspective. :)

Happy Listening!

Christina " this is the nearest to being alive" Myers
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Curt Phipps (cphipps@interaccess.com>                       
Subject: Wall Of Death??????                                         

Well....I picked up my copy of Nanci's new CD, and have to say....I am mildly
disappointed.  Only a hand full of the songs seem to have any appeal to me. I
guess I am just hungry for some of Nanci own personal music.

Anyway, I do have a couple of questions.  What the heck is "The Wall Of 
Death"? Some kind of carnival ride or something?  Seriously...anyone know?  
Cool song, but I'm not sure I'm hearing too much of Griffith in there.

I couldn't wait to hear "Desperados Waiting For The Train", for it is one of my
favorite songs ever,  but I think they overdid it with way too many artists 
doing bits.  Thank God for Jerry Jeff Walker...who saved the day for this cut.
JJ does the best version of this song I have ever heard, and even though Nanci
didn't seem to fit
in with these guys, I would of loved to have heard just her and Jerry
Jeff do this one.
How does Jimmy Dale Gilmore sell any records?  He sings horrible!!!!!  I
almost drove off the road when he did his little thing. Ughhh!

Now....is Nanci officially unretired?  Or is this just temporary to
promote this CD?
Is the BMO touring with her again? And, lastly, is there any hope she
may do another CD in the immediate future...of her own songs?

Oh yea....I may have been a little disappointed in the CD, but I
certainly was not
by the CD cover!  Kudos to the photographer who set this one up!  What
an absolutely stunning photo of Nanci!  My God, she looks like she is
24...not 44. Simply adorable.  I actually ordered the T-Shirt for $20.  
I'm wearing her everywhere.

Hope someone can answer my questions.....
Thanks.
Curt--

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "nancy abrams" (nanhum@hotmail.com>                         
Subject: jimmie dale!                                                

I think you have to have an appreciation for the twangy nasal sound that
is Jimmie Dale. I think he is awsome. But for those of you who dont--hey
it's like beer--an acquired taste--or for some--just born to it. Jimmie
can sing me to sleep any night. Nana

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Aquarian Resourses" (Aquarian@1acc.com>                    
Subject: Jimmie Dale Gilmore                                         

Jimmie Dale Gilmore is a phenomenal
singer-songwriter. His "Spinning around
The Sun" is on my desert island discs.
I admit his vocal on Desperados sounds
a little shaky. I really believe a lot of folks
who like Nanci will enjoy his work.He
apparently is on the bill at several of the Newport
Folk concerts. But spinning around the Sun is
awesome and Lucinda Williams does a great
vocal. My thoughts Joe Werfelman

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Ed Maier (eddie@flash.net>                                  
Subject: Re: Merchandise                                             

Tootazzed@aol.com wrote:
>
> Trying to find out where I can purchase Nancy G. merchandise.

A flyer in the OV Too CD jewel box has some merchandise for sale.

#1 OV Too natural t-shirt with OV Too tour 1998 back. Short sleeve.
M-L-XL-XXL  $20.00

#2 Rose- white long sleeve t-shirt with program cover back.
M-L-XL   $25.00

#3 Tye dye purple/blue t-shirt with all over print.
XL only  $30.00

#4 Guitar photo-  black t-shirt with lyric back, short sleeve.
L-XL    $20.00

S&H;  $7.00

1-800-360-9408

Music City Merchandise
2913 Berry Hill Drive
Nashville (where else?), TN 37204

Suggest you call the 800 number for ordering particulars.

Ed
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: DLMTX@aol.com                                               
Subject: OVT                                                         

Well, folkies, I bought both Lucinda and Nanci last night and had a great
listen to both. I am not accustomed to buying my music new but the reviews
have been so great I made the effort to buy early, listen close and add
thoughts to the boards for once.

   What a cornucopia from Miss Nanci, I have to say!  That works both ways for
the effect, as I noticed that the huge assemblages for the chorus of some
songs started feeling kind of draggy and had the feel of the campfire rather
than a studio full of masters of the craft.  On the "Hammer " cut it works
wonderfully!

Some of my favorite songs are on here, and I really enjoyed the guest artists
on those such as " Desperadoes.." Nanci does a wonderful job on "Who Knows
Where the Time Goes" and I am very much captivated by "Yarrington Town" and
"Canadian Whiskey".

Someone has mentioned Nanci's strange growling out of some of her words and I
have to admit that it has stuck out in an unpleasant way. I enjoy that kind of
fun taken with songs in live music but it makes me less likely to want to hear
it over and over on recordings.

  And the worst of all, to my ears, was the "Darcy Farrow" solo, which was
everything I love about Nanci; just her clear sweet voice on a very lovely
haunting tune.  Only, the percussion track sounds too much like a scratched
record skipping and  Nanci's extra catch in her voice as she says "sweetest"
even sounds like the record jumped!  I was so hoping that she had recorded it
with some sparkling instrumental sound.

I salute Nanci for bringing in the works of her mentors, the tribute once
again to the community of music which is why this music has a heart like no
other and why we are drawn to it.  I remember seeing the Kerrville stage
covered time after time with those artists from backstage who joined the
scheduled performer in a song.  It has been unbelieveably easy to dive into
folk music because once you find one thing you like ( In my case it was John
Denver in the 70's singing about "Paradise" that lead me to John Prine, then
to Nanci 2o years later) you only have to look at the credits, see who's
singing backup and who wrote it, and find their work.  I feel kinda smug in
having found Greg Brown's writing  in '78 after a tiny concert with an Iowa
singer named Dick Pinney who recorded it.

Deb " Tripping over bottlecaps from the moon" Meyer

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Mike Chesman (chesman@preferred.com>                        
Subject: Elektra Pages                                               

I noticed that Elektra finally got around to updating their web pages for
Nanci's new album.  I would have expected them to have at least put an
announcement about the release sooner or when the promos started getting air
play on the radio stations about a month ago.  Better late than never....

http://www.elektra.com/country_club/griffith/griffith.html
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: George Golob (geogo@earthlink.net>                          
Subject: Re: NanciNet #98723                                         

Enjoying the new album immensely, lots of surprizes each time I hear it.
I always liked Frank Zappa's way of looking at the work of a
composer..he always liked to say that all the songs and music of a
composer/performer were all just one big whole...a continuous work in
progress...Every now and then the artist may stop and put a frame
around a chunk of it!
I look at Nanci's 'Other Voices' records and her recent dabblings with
the Crickets as her way of giving a nod to all the sources and forces
that made her want to make music in the first place, and that guided
the musical choices she made in her own work. Maybe coming full circle
on these roots will show her a new direction to take when she starts to
work again. (I remember hearing she said there won't be any records for
a while after this)
Anyway, I never worry about it much if I don't care for some of Nanci's
songs (or some of those of my other favorite artists)..I just figure
them ones ain't meant for me...Remember, we're always free to move the
frames around to suit ourselves!
I wanted to ask you Eastern folks around New York way if you've ever
heard of Cathy Kreger? She performed in San Diego last night with
Deborah Liv Johnson and blew everybody away.  I bought her CD (Heart of
the Matter on Zorn Records)(718)268-5592...Beautiful voice, kind of
bluesy and husky...and touching songs. Anyway, she works out of New
York. Give a listen if you can.
George Golob

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Tina Shackleford" (tshack@sprynet.com>                     
Subject: Re: Wall Of Death and Jimmie Gilmore                        

> what is this Wall Of Death?

I believe it refers to that ride where you stand against the side of a
large cylinder.  The whole thing turns and the riders get stuck to the
sides, then the bottom drops out.

Hope this makes sense.  I'm glad Nanci recorded the song; it's one of my
favorites.

 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Virginia Rose (ginrose@internetmci.com>                     
Subject: Re: OVT                                                     

Well, Nancinuts, I feel a bit inadequate sending my feelings on OVT since
I've only listened to it a couple of times, but I've got a good excuse. My
daughter, fellow NanciNetter Somer Newland, gave me another grandchild,
Eli, Wednesday afternoon! I'm writing this from her computer.

I listened to OVT while packing to leave for Houston, and have since only
had a chance to hear it one other time. Overall, I really like it.
Without the CD in front of me to refer to, it's difficult to list specific
tracks that especially appeal to me, but here goes. My favorites are the
ones Nanci sings lead, and at first listen, I think my favorite is
Yarrington Town, though that may change with time. Desperadoes has been a
favorite of mine since hearing Jerry Jeff's version of it. Listening to all
the other wonderful voices sing this one even if Nanci only contributes a
small part is wonderful. Someone called this CD "Other Voices, Too Many". I
disagree. This is a sing-along album! Last year during Nanci's Blue Moons
tour, there was quite a discussion over whether is was proper or not to
sing along at a concert. Well, I think Nanci has answered this one for us.
This one has quite a campfire feel.

One thing I don't like is Nanci's weird pronunciation of some words. It
strikes a discordant note, makes me cringe. To say this is simply Nanci's
Texas accent, is no excuse. If that was so, then why hasn't she always done
this? It first appeared on BRFTM, and continues on this one. Now I'm not a
native Texan, but did live in Austin almost 10 years, and I never heard one
Austin native with this accent. My ex-husband's family was from a small
town in the Panhandle near Lockney, where Nanci's relatives lived. They
didn't talk like this either. Why Nanci would suddenly acquire this strange
affectation is beyond me.

I just want to thank Nanci for acknowledging and giving more than just
credit to the voices who inspired her. It's wonderful.

Hugs,
Gin (back in grandma mode) Rose
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Kristina Plath (steenie102@yahoo.com>                       
Subject: new music!  YIPEEEEE!                                       

Hi All

Wow, 6 CD's in less than 24 hours!  A new record!  I got OVT, which I
adore.  I tend to be an 'anything goes' sort of person, so I loved
everything from 'Wall of Death' to 'Darcy Farrow.'  DF was my favorite
cut.  It's so mesmerizing, as I wrote to Nanci.  I really, REALLY wish
she had pared down the instrumantation on some other cuts, such as
'Hard Times' and 'Yarrington Town.'  'I Had a Hammer' is sort of the
'Wimoweh' of this album.  All in all, great effort, and if it is
indeed her last album, I'm happy.  Hey Nanci, may there always be
plenty of other voices in the playlists of radio stations.  May they
never be forgotten.

Anyway, the other 5 albums.  _Rear View Mirror_ by TVZ.  Whew!  After
hearing his version of TV, I was BAWLING!  I always cry after the
song, but I was so overcome by this incredibly emotional voice.  The
other cuts were great too, I just wish the lyrics were printed in the
liner.  D'oh!

I also got a 60's folk anthology, with all of Nanci's heroes on it.
And Emmy's _Wrecking Ball_, which I don't like much.  I hope it's just
my mood, because I have high expectations after hearing all the NN
plugs it received.  My Dad's quote when he saw my stack was 'Dern
OV/OR!'  It's true!  If it weren't for that album, I never would have
heard of, well, a bunch!  I'd still be listening to bubblegum music!
(This I doubt, but it's possible).  If I continue to take all the
plugs from NN, I foresee bankruptcy in the future!!!!!  Reading the
archives, I've been making a computer-side list of CD's I want for
Christmas.  Dad is gonna un-suscribe me! (did I spell that right, Ed?!
 : )

Today in the mail from Village Records comes PIMW and _Moonpie Dreams_
by Kate Campbell.  I haven't heard the latter yet, but PIMW is superb.
 It's the closest I've heard to 'just guitar and voice' from Nanci.
Her voice is changing from TALBTW.  My collection is still sans LSSOM,
OFSE, and LOTTB.  (Mark don't kill me!  I know!  I know!  It's on the
list! : )

Now my Dad is in the middle of exposing different covers of 'Pancho
and Lefty' and some truly amazing Emmy ancients.  So adieu for now,
fellow Griffites!

Kristina 'the forest for love songs' Plath

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Shawn Kimbro (kimbro@planetc.com>                           
Subject: Re:  Desperados                                             

Gin Rose writes:

> Desperadoes has been a
> favorite of mine since hearing Jerry Jeff's version of it. Listening to all
> the other wonderful voices sing this one even if Nanci only contributes a
> small part is wonderful. Someone called this CD "Other Voices, Too Many". I
> disagree. This is a sing-along album! ..... This one has quite a
> campfire feel.

Oh Gin, I can't believe I disagree with you on this, but Desperados is
probably my least favorite cut on the disc. (And there are several least
favorites.) I can't even stand to listen to it and that's a first for
any song Nanci's done.  Oh but I love the song, always have.  It just
sounds so out of place to hear so many different voices singing a song
about one man's remembrance of his childhood sidekick.  The song paints
such vivid mental pictures for me. I think Guy's version is way best and
when he sings the line "so we just closed our eyes and dreamed us up a
kitchen", I always closed my eyes and saw that same kitchen.  But the
imagery of two men reminiscing about good times past is completely blown
when there are 6 other guys singing. And Nanci's voice is so out of
place it's almost comical.  Even at a campfire I'd leave this one to one
voice.

Congratulations Gin & Somer!
-Shawn
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: lbday@siu.edu (Lisa Day)                                    
Subject: Nanci's voice, other voices, too                            

Hi Griffans,

I've listened to OVToo many times now, and my impression--like Deb's and
Gin's--is that it's a great campfire collection.  I can imagine the setting
at a folk festival featuring performances by traditional as well as new
artists.  After a few evenings have passed, several singers would be
gathered around a campsite with plenty of Corona to go around, and several
would be holding their guitars, strumming softly until someone else in the
circle recognized the tune and started singing along, until each person in
the circle had sung a line or two.  The cameraderie would be magical.  If I
were privy to such a setting, I would feel extremely privileged.

However, the CD is not a recording of campfire songs.  There aren't any
crickets chirping in the background (unless you count Sonny, Joe, and
J.I.); I don't swat mosquitoes while I'm listening to it; and while it's
playing, I am not standing in line to take a three-minute shower or to go
to the bathroom.  Even if I were at this particular campfire gathering of
great singers and musicians, I would probably move during some of the
songs.  It seems like the lead vocal should not be the harmony voice, and
many of the songs on the CD seem dominated by the harmony instead of the
main tune of the song.  Also, on the songs with a slew of performers, the
vocal strength sounds uneven and weak at times, and the voices do not
always complement each other.

Because of their titles, Other Voices, Too immediately asks for comparisons
with Other Voices, Other Rooms, and for me, it sadly fails.  Where the
first one is contemplative and smoothly arranged and the accompanying
artists' voices blend beautifully, the other seems haphazard and nearly
cacophonous at times.  When I bought OV|OR, I had a difficult time finding
a song on it that I didn't like.  On OVToo, I have had a hard time finding
one that makes me want to repeat it.  The only possible candidates so far
are "Yarrington Town" and "Wings of a Dove."

When Nanci Griffith announced her retirement last year, she said she would
eventually like to make another record like Poet in My Window.  That album
was my first exposure to her music, and I was an immediate admirer.
Afterward, I collected all of her albums and consider most of them to be
desert-island discs.  I want to return to that early infatuation instead of
the disillusionment I've felt since the release of Blue Roses from the
Moons.  I'd rather be in the audience while Nanci is workin' in corners,
not when she is part of a Saturday night madding crowd.

Lisa "pouring my Sprite over the campfire" Day
 
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From: Mike Chesman (chesman@preferred.com>                        
Subject: Re: OVT                                                     

Nancinetters,
   I have to agree with what many have said... Yarrington Town is one of the
best cuts on the album.  I'm not thrilled with all the airplay for
"Desperadoes", it's my least favorite cut on the album.  Could have been
good with a few less vocalists, some of the choruses are off in timing and
it sounds like it wasn't even properly rehearsed.  That would be okay in an
impromptu setting, but to hear it this way on an album gets on my nerves.
There are maybe a dozen cuts that would make a strong album to me, but
having to listen to some of the others kind of water downs the overall
effect of the album.  I hope Nanci will give another shot at her own
material, perhaps even revisit some of her own tunes.  I like the album but
right now it is my least favorite of her Elektra recordings.

Mike

p.s.  An otherwise interesting take on "You were on my mind" was ruined by
one exagerated word "Maawwnin"

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From: Kristina Plath (steenie102@yahoo.com>                       
Subject: OV/OR video                                                 

Hi All,

In the OV/OR video, during "There's A Light Beyond These Woods" in the
beginning, there are home video clips shown.  Does anyone know if this
is Nanci as a child, or just an actress?  It does sort of look like
her, but I'm not sure.

Thanks,

Kristina 'the forest for love songs' Plath


//  It's an actress.  - MF
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From: Joseph MacTurk (macturkj@humboldt1.com>                     
Subject: arcata cancellation                                         

I noticed Nancy Abrams post about the canceled Arcata concerts and felt
obliged to post this, though I have mixed feelings about doing so.

A few years back I was very excited to have tickets to my first Nanci concert.
After Iris did a short opening set, the announcement was made that Nanci was
sick and would be unable to perform. Rumors went around that her allergies
were awful or the flu had struck. Well, I saw on a recent concert list that
she is scheduled to return to the same venue soon, so I called the  office and
inquired as to whether this was true, since it had not been "officially"
announced yet. I was told it was "if she doesn't cancel again". When I said I
had heard how sick she had been, the person said, "that is not the whole
story." It seems she had closed a popular sports bar in town and was simply
too hung over to perform. I have since confirmed this information with a person
who is in a position to know for sure, who added, "She is, ahem, temperamental.

I have seen Nanci three times since that disappointing evening and all three
concerts have been magical. I don't hold this against her or anything, and she
continues to be among my favorite performers. I would be buying tickets if
Nancy Abrams' info is not correct. I just thought that, in the interest of
showing Nanci as a total person, this story should be brought to light.

By the way, Nanci and the BMO were indeed great at the Kate Wolf festival.
However, did anyone else think that, by cranking up the volume as they did,
Hooker's keyboards became very distorted almost to the point of being white
noise at times? Maybe my old ears are just losing it, since no one else
complained about it. And I was RIGHT in front of the speakers!
Joe

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From: John Hodges (jqhodges@uclink4.berkeley.edu>                 
Subject: more OVOR Too armchair criticism                            

After only one listen (at a listening station at Virgin Megastore in San
Francisco, while trying to tune out the intensely loud house music in the
background), here are a few of my first impressions:

Based on the reviews, I was prepared to dislike this a lot.  But that
wasn't the case.  The only cringe-inducing song for me is "he was a friend
of mine".  It's just awful.  Compared to versions by Dylan and the Byrds,
this one pales.  For a song that cries out for smooth vocals a la the
byrd's rendition, could this be any more jarringly sung? (hey, did i just
make up a word there?)

And "Hard Times Come Again No More" just can't stand up to other versions,
such as Bob Dylan's stunning one on "good as i been to you".

but otherwise i enjoyed myself immensely (despite the hyperactive teenager
at the listening station next to me dancing bizarrely to god knows what
music).

I even liked "desperados" with its "how many more different vocalists can
we fit in here?".  the only jarring part of the song was when nanci joined
in, unfortunatley.  jimmie dale sent shivers down my spine.  his voice can
do no wrong in my book.  if jimmie dale and lucinda ever do an album of
duets, i'll be in folk heaven. just the tease we get on "spinning around
the sun" is enough to whet my appetite for that!

back to nanci...

i think my biggest complaint with the album is that i was already familiar
with so many of the songs she chose.  when ovor came out, i was unfamiliar
with everything save the dylan and prine songs.  so i didn't have any
subconscious comparisons to nanci's versions going on.  on ovor too, i find
myself wondering what the point of another version of deportees is?! as
nicely done as it is, and the bilingual effect is great given the subject
matter, i think peete seeger and arlo guthrie have already done definitive
versions of this one.

same with wall of death.  i can't help but compare it to the highly
superior (imho!) rem version, or even richard thompson's original.

but i found myself really liking who knows where the time goes, and you
were on my mind.  and i really didn't like darcy farrow in concert, but the
album version is beautiful.  stark vocal, subdued drumming.  very
understated.

i think a lot of these songs will really come alive in concert with just
nanci taking the lead. the less is more concept i suppose.

anyway, that's my 2 cents worth.

John
 
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