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 04/2009

    RUTHIE AND THE WRANGLERS
    AMERICANA EXPRESS

  • reviewed 10/2006

    SANDI THOM
    Smile...it Confuses People

  • reviewed 05/2010

    MEG HUTCHINSON
    The Living Side

  • reviewed 02/2010

    HARLEM PARLOR MUSIC CLUB
    SALT OF THE EARTH

  • reviewed 07/2006

    KAKI KING
    ...Until We Felt Red

  • reviewed 12/2010

    THE BLACKBERRY BUSHES
    Little Bit of Grace

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.