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Ladyland
Sierra Swan
Interscope Records, 2006
Verdah Bismah, 13
Canada
Not many pop singers can make good music, but Sierra Swan has joined the small group of incredible artists with her debut CD, Ladyland. Her songs aren't your typical swoony depressing types, but instead they are energetic melodies, with a strong-minded, world-weary attitude.
What I like about this CD is that it doesn't commit to just one musical style. Although the CD starts off as hearty pop full of energetic violin melodies, Swan also tries out bittersweet ballads, piano pop, and rollicking edgy stuff. It finishes off with an exquisite ode to a departed mother, laced with religious references and a hint of tears.
It's too bad that there isn't more music like this; the world would be such a better place if we had more artists like Swan. There's no goopy sentimentality and no endless whining. There are lovers and love here, but Swan's songs don't give the impression of a love-struck teen. Instead, she gives the feeling of a mature woman who isn't going to sob and beg for a guy who isn't good enough, but can love someone who is. Ladyland is an enchanting CD that will actually make you want to get up and do something to change the world.
Ani DiFranco
Carnegie Hall 4.6.02
Righteous Babe Records, 2006
Allison Van Siclen, 15
Minnesota
Ani DiFranco first became recognized as an independent singer-songwriter with enchanting lyrics when she was a teenager. Her gritty political and down-to-earth romantic songs fired up teenage girls' hearts across the country. She has worked with famous singers like The Dave Matthew's Band and Prince. Along with her many awards and recognitions, she has been named by CMJ New Music Monthly as one of the Top 25 Artists in the last 25 years, alongside Nirvana and U2. Those that know her love her, and those that don't have no idea what they're missing.
This CD features all the hit songs she performed at a Carnegie Hall live performance in 2002. Already a much loved independent music artist, DiFranco was met with loud cries and cheers as she started her first song. The words flow poetically from her lips and her voice is strong and pure. Her guitar playing has always been one of her best assets, and it comes through clearer than ever before on this CD. Although live concert CDs normally distract the listener from the true music, this is definitely not the case. The cheering crowd simply highlights her talent. I hope DiFranco will continue to strut her stuff at the top of CD charts for decades to come.
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