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 05/2008

    LUKE SAYERS AND THE LAST TO KNOW
    Radio Flower

  • reviewed 04/2007

    BREATHE OWL BREATHE
    BREATHE OWL BREATHE

  • reviewed 05/2009

    Bob Dylan
    Together Through Life

  • reviewed 10/2013

    DENISON WITMER
    Denison Witmer

  • reviewed 06/2011

    THE WOODSHEDDERS
    O Dig

  • reviewed 06/2006

    JEREMIAH LOCKWOOD
    American Primitive

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.