As soon as I heard this magnificent CD, I knew
I had to review it. I simply couldn't keep my opinion of it to myself. For
the first time in years comes an exciting artiste I can listen to persistently
and can't wait to see in concert.
My favourite voices, it is fair to say, do not usually belong to 19-year-old girls
- but then corkscrew-haired Katie is no synthetic pop doll. The Georgian-born
singer/guitarist (that's Georgia as in the former USSR, not deep south America)
has brought emotive blues to the Pop Idol generation.
She cites Queen and Eva Cassidy as influences, so the girl has taste too.
On Call off the Search, her Number One debut album, Katie's vocals ooze
extraordinary maturity, meaning, depth, class and passion. It's hard to believe
hers is not a voice honed by years of jamming in shadowy jazz clubs.
My song-by-song appraisal:
Call off the Search
With its loving lyrics and seductive pace, this is the kind of song I imagine
future newlyweds picking for their first dance. A definite highlight.
Crawling up a Hill
The gorgeously understated (autobiographical?) story of a frustrated office girl
who yearns for singing fame.
The Closest Thing to Crazy
Katie's beautiful debut single is one of my favourite ever songs and destined
for 'classic' status. I melt like cheese every time I hear it.
My Aphrodisiac is You
Tonge-in-cheek piece of mild sauce with surely one of the most inspired titles
in blues history.
Learnin' the Blues
An exquisite piece of melancholy; evokes images of candlelit dancefloors and moody
pianists.
Blame It on the Moon
Haunting ode to reluctant love.
Belfast (Penguins and Cats)
Poignant, self-penned hymn to a divided city (Katie's former home).
I Think It's Going to Rain Today
Possibly my least favourite track on the album.
Mockingbird Song
Sexy boogie-woogie number with witty lyrics.
Tiger in the Night
Artless, pretty love ballad.
Faraway Voice
Katie's tribute to Eva Cassidy, sung in a direct, sweet style cleverly reminiscent
of her late heroine.
Lilac Wine
Fittingly velvety celebration of alcohol and lost innocence
The enhanced CD comes with a five-minute video featuring an interesting interview
with Katie and photo shoot footage.