Crayon Angels/The Phantom Cowboy/The Archetypal Man/The Lamb Ran Away With The Crown/Lady-O/Jesus Was A Cross Maker/Ridge Rider/My Man On Love/Lopin' Along Through The Cosmos/Enchanted Sky Machines/Abracadabra
Self titled debut album from the obscure American singer songwriter Judee Sill. Her folk influenced songs incorporated a spiritual dimension exploring the meaning of life.
“With a voice twangy, warm, and honeyed, and a songwriting talent to match and surpass her peers, Judee Sill is no Joni Mitchell clone. Her music may sound relatively simple and fragile, but the structures and arrangements are airtight and she was a hugely impressive songwriter. It's a shame that this didn't sell well, but such is the case with many genuinely extraordinary records.”
“Unfortunately the only thing Judee Sill will ever be remembered for is this album's hit single Jesus Was A Cross Maker. Instead she should be remembered as one of the great songwriters of her generation, but unfortunately she's been forgotten since disappearing from the music scene in the early 70s.”
“This album is about as close to a spiritual experience as an atheist can get. Soaring, shimmering melodies that send chills down your spine, accentuated by layer upon layer of her southern drawl.”
“Her voice is so very tangible and comforting, and definitely carries this album. Everywhere there's this peculiar optimistic sheen that pervades the record, but it's a post-hippie optimism that's easy to swallow. Match that with some positively lovely baroque arrangements and double-tracked vocals, and Judee Sill hits upon a formula that works to her talents magnificently.”
“The songs, all originals, are folk-influenced (though classical, country and gospel aspects are there too), and many of the lyrics and titles use a strange mixture of religious and sensual imagery. Most striking of all are the intricate multi-tracked vocals laid down using elaborate counterpoint and rich harmony.”
“The songs are full of references to Christianity but at times it almost seems like they are there as a result of psychedelic influences rather than her spirituality. The musical side draws heavily from classical influences and also traditional folk music. Her singing's a little spotty and the songwriting and arrangements aren't breaking any new ground.”
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