Reviews
Gig review - Borderline, February 2011
From the moment Seger opened the show with the new song Piper's Dream, it was clear she was made for the stage.
The Times Feb. 2011
Gig review - Borderline, February 2011
The Borderline show displayed a performer with a panache, at once connecting with the audience but also slightly putting them on edge. She exudes a taut energy that keeps you engaged but also reinforces that you're not witnessing a band in a conventional sense but a musical possession.
Trebuchet magazine Feb.2011
Gig review - Half Moon, Putney
Seger’s got a voice like an angel scorned , a clutch of songs that delight and disturb in equal measure, and enough charisma to bring some sunshine to the wettest London evening. And while she’s still making ripples as a biggish fish in a smallish pond, her audiences should feel privileged to see her
Blog review: A sure contender for album of the year
...the pain of these songs is as real today as when they were written, Seger’s performance throughout is nothing short of being brilliantly outrageous, honest and personal and that is precisely what makes this such a special collection 0f songs
...one of those classic albums that crosses divides and refuses to be bound by musical genres, the lyrics are deeply personal and yet the listener will undoubtedly be empathetic, the instrumentation is often stark but beautifully captures each mood swing to perfection.
This is an album full of raw emotion from ballad to rip snorting rock, Seger’s vocals remain true throughout from the wispy Lucinda Williams style of Wishing Trees to the bourbon and smoke fuelled quality of Last Few Standing.
A certain contender for album of the year, Shea Seger’s self titled album is available now....http://www.buzzinmusicblog.co.uk/a-decade-of-emotion-in-the-new-album-from-shea-seger/2969
Blog Review: Written with a Dylanesque Flair
A great in-depth review of a lot of the songs on the album... from a reviewer who obviously takes pride in his passion for great music and great songwriting...
http://theirbatedbreath.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/time-tested-shea-seger/
Selected quotes here:
"a tight, moody and beautiful 11-track album".
"The honky-tonkin’ piano cut, “Piper’s Dream”, is an emboldened plea of desperation, finding musical heights in persistent drumming, hard-rocking guitar and lyrics written with a Dylanesque flair"
"These songs are written by someone with a real fire in the belly. They’re about hard nights, long years, doe-eyed dreamers, gutty passion and a driving persistence.... “Last Few Standing” is an incendiary monster-of-a-track, angry in its soaring electric guitar, thumping foot-stomps, and Seger’s raspy and scolding vocals"
"Seger fully inhabits every track, slipping into each one like she’s donning a new skin. You can feel it in her razor-rough vocals on “Wake Up” — a song that seems part rainy-morning reverie and part self-aimed command. Drums, ripping guitar and ragtime piano put an emphatic stamp on her verses. But it’s Seger’s voice that highlights this juke-joint jumper, as her tone shifts from low growl to roaring lion."
"Lyricism is one of this record’s many strengths. “Dew Drops” could have turned into syrupy cliche — but for its honesty, universality, pretty melodies and the soft choral alliteration of lines like, “dew drops do.” There’s something quite heartbreaking in the light adornment of guitar and violin, combined with such elegant phrasing"
"“Songs to Forget” might be the album pinnacle. The smokey sound of Seger’s voice mixes with the gentle sway of piano and violin, giving the track a crumbling fragility. It’s a tale of a disintegrating relationship, and dreaming of better times and simpler moments, like driving along the seaside and sleeping under stars."
All we can say is WOW! - thanks David for really understanding the album... read the full review here:
http://theirbatedbreath.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/time-tested-shea-seger/
Blog review: It will exceed your expectations
The sound it (sp) similar to older country, with a mixture of rock. Shea has mixed several surprising instruments into songs as well, making the album surprising. Even if you are not a country fan, give this album a listen. It will exceed your expectations. Shea is talented, and it shows, as well as the time and self put into the album. It is personal, and that helps make it good. Shea didn’t write this to be a number one album. She wrote it for herself, making it easier to relate to, for all ages.
From: http://unheardlyrics.com/2010/08/09/shea-seger-shea-seger/
Blog Review: Album of the month!
I must say that I’m impressed – its good – very, very good; highlighting all that I like about music and all that I like in an album. You may not like it first or second listen (I didn’t) but as with all great albums, after 3 or 4 plays you begin to hear things you, begin to understand the lyrics, begin to enjoy the album, you begin to appreciate what an unique talent Shea is and what an excellent songwriter she is....
....with her new album I hear a songwriter who cares for her craft, a songwriter who tries to reach perfection with every note, every word. I hear a darker album, more acoustic, less beats and bops. I can hear different influences in her music – Carole King, Janis Joplin even Elkie Brooks (the way she hangs on to a note) – but like any true artist, Shea Seger tries to be nobody but Shea Seger. I can really only hear Shea Seger as she has such a distinctive style – think maybe Joe Henry without the stubble.
There is really not much left to say except listen to the samples – read the lyrics – buy the album.
