LARA EWEN AND THE UNSTRUNG ORCHESTRA

Ghosts and Gasoline

2007-09-12

Lara Ewen and the Unstrung Orchestra's debut album, Ghosts and Gasoline, leaves behind the lingering scent of "perfume, cigarettes and booze." Ewen's 11 believable tales are complemented by a sliding and sultry acoustic guitar, and the result is a ruggedly tender trip to heartache. From "The Airport Song" to "Manhattan to Kansas" (by train) to "A Way to You" via automobile. She even takes a stab at time travel in "20 Years Ago." Ewen is at her best in the autobiographical "Clear," as a woman who is struggling for perspective, who at times "got all hunched over with those American dreams." Despite her reliance on a few lyrical cliches, Ewen's impassioned treks really satisfy, and it would appear that this Manhattan mermaid has found a home. Track 6 "Clear" contains "shit."

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 03/2008

    TIM O'BRIEN
    Chameleon

  • reviewed 06/2007

    DANNY FLOWERS
    Tools For The Soul

  • reviewed 09/2007

    CHRISTINE LAVIN
    Happydance of the Xenophobe

  • reviewed 05/2016

    Ken Atkins & The Honky Tonk Kind
    This Train

  • reviewed 06/2007

    Carolina Chocolate Drops
    Dona Got A Ramblin' Mind

  • reviewed 03/2008

    The Wood Brothers
    Loaded

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.