Indie and Lo-Fi music reviews

Hem composes and plays some of the most honest and gorgeous music ever committed to recording material today. This antiquated (and I mean that in a very nice way) collection of heartfelt and emotional songs seems to harken back to a nice and simple time when America was bathed in a pastoral haze of sunshine and simplicity. To achieve their unique and homespun organic sound, Hem utilizes acoustic and electric instrumentation that takes the listener to a place where one can truly escape the everyday hectic drudgery of the rat race and chill out. In this ho hum world of musical dreck, I highly recommend listening to Hem! See them live if you can. Excellent musicianship!

Excellent CD !!! Different sound. Mellow. Something different to listen to. I would recommend this CD to anyone who wants to sit back and relax.

So, I become haunted by the background music for a commercial for an insurance company. I go to their website and play the commercial for my daughter who miraculously finds out the name of the music group - HEM - in about ten minutes. Less than a week later I'm completely absorbed and overwhelmed by RABBIT SONGS. The simplicity of the lyrics, the achingly beautiful melodies, especially in songs such as: "Sailor", "Half Acre", "Betting On Trains", and "Leave Me Here", literally bring tears to my eyes. If you don't like HEM's music, all I can do is extend my deepest sympathies for your shallow tastelessness.

Honestly, I enjoy MacIsaac's singing voice as much as I enjoy his fiddle playing. His voice reminds me of Rob Dougan's-- A bit rough with a raw quality that evokes a visceral reaction in the listener-- and I've found that the music on this album can go with me in the car, in my office, or when I'm out walking. Perhaps my appreciation of it has been influenced by my admiration for MacIsaac and his courage in making an album that is so different from anything else he's produced, but I think this album has its own merits and I liked it just as much as his other musical endeavors.

"Bitch" opens the album of new material by famous gay in a kilt Ashley MacIsaac, and it indicates that this album is going to be a strange departure indeed. Considering what I am used to hearing from him... more classical than grunge, this is a bold departure... kind of punk meets... well, anti-melody.
That said, Bitch is nothing to scoff at. The song, after multiple listens is quite catchy (and in my car stereo it actually is pump worthy)
I particualrly enjoy "Just Because" which seems to borrow its melody from the likes of the Bravery and a lyrical style from Ashlee Simpson. As a matter of fact, most of the writing on this release seems to be a tad bit teen-ish and considering it has a "parental advisory" sticker slapped on it, that isn't really a good thing.
The thing I really like about "Pride" is that the voice that made me like him in the first place (heard on "Lay Me Down" from his self titled album) pops up throughout the album. He does not have a conventional pop-rock voice and perhaps that is one reason he is being dissed by other reviewers. But I have to say that I enjoy that voice and while it seems like he strains to get the notes out... it is a strain that I find endearing and entertaining. This album is no masterpiece, but with a few sprinkles of glittery fun and a gothic tinged "Because I Love You", this album is not a complet waste in my collection. It is a bold departure from the celtic intrumental he has enchanted many with... and I hope he continues to branch out and polish his edge (and improve those ltrics... stat). This album is not for everyone... note it is heavily influenced by punk and alternative rock... but for someone like me who has an ecclectic taste in music, this is fun spin for sure.

Ashley MacIsaac's self-titled Decca CD was one of my favorites with "Lay Me Down" becoming one of my all-time classic tracks. This set rocks out with Ashley giving the finger on the inner cover announcing that he's no longer Mr. Nice Guy. "Bitch" rocks mercilessly followed by "Just Because" that also pulses furiously. "Love 'Em" burns with sensation without regard to being tidy or polite, "I dance with the Tommies; I wear my pajamies." "Because You Love Me" is another staunch rocker with Ashley's vocals, all sass and no apology. Not until "Revolution," the 7th track, does MacIsaac slow even a tad with this washboard melody country parody. "You took the gun from my head & you took the fun from my bed," MacIsaac sings on "Nights Wasted Away" in a Stonesy burner. "A Man Like You" is a love song with the Ashley's vocals worn and weary, "I would take you in my arms; you would do the same; We could be as free as love, supposed to feel this way." "Because I Love You" is the first openly acoustic track, confessional in tone, before MacIsaac explodes dramatically, "Why do you make me want to see you die; I wanna kill you. Do you think you can play me for a fool? ... I know the Golden Rule." The set ends up with "Sick of Rock & Roll." MacIsaac's "Pride" is starkly different from his other work, excellent on its own merits, rough and frayed without pretense. It's a great set if you can stand it! Bravo!

Worth buying for one track and one track only...

Classic Adventure by Delicatessen...

Specially recorded for this CD...

Check this link for Delicatessen downloads and updates...

www.thenationalanthem.net

Delicatessen will be releasing new material in 2005