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 03/2007

    Eleni Mandell
    Miracle of Five

  • reviewed 06/2011

    PUTNAM SMITH
    We Could Be Beekeepers

  • reviewed 08/2009

    PAUL BURCH
    Still Your Man

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Basia Bulat
    Oh My Darling

  • reviewed 06/2012

    KELLY HOGAN
    I Like to Keep Myself in Pain

  • reviewed 07/2006

    DARRELL SCOTT
    The Invisible Man

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.