The
Tami Show ~ Self-Titled Date: Saturday, August 07, 2004
Quote:
"It only takes seconds to be transported into a somber world of deliberate
melody and sound." By Heidi Drockelman

The
Tami Show ~ Self-Titled Date: Saturday, August 07, 2004 @ 11:29:00 EST Topic:
Reviews
Artist: The Tami Show - CD: Self-Titled - Home: San Francisco, California
- Style: Classic Pop/Country/Folk
Quote:
"It only takes seconds to be transported into a somber world of deliberate
melody and sound." By Heidi Drockelman
I cant give you anything but love ... baby.
This
is definitely one of the more interesting records that has passed into my
mailbox in recent days. And not because its overly-ambitious, risky
or breaking in a new trend. This one is interesting for reasons that seem
very simple: its music from another time and place, the songs and arrangements
are classically structured, and the music just is what it is and isnt
concerned with fitting into audience and industry expectations.
In fact, it only takes seconds to be transported into a somber world of deliberate
melody and sound. The moves and lyrical content of these melodies are at times
gloomy, contemplative, always atmospheric, but simultaneously hopeful and
never derivative. It really is a wonder that this darkly moody release manages
to avoid the pitfalls of dragging its listener into a depression, and, rather,
forces a positive reaction.
While the tone and instrumentation seem very calculated throughout most of
the disc, the overall impression is that this charming departure from pop
and rock trendiness is much like the spontaneous breaks in mood that we, as
humans, experience. The content itself includes both originals and covers
(a sterling updated version of I Cant Give You Anything But Love
is a disc highlight), weaving a delicate array of classic sounds with a modern
simplicity rarely heard. The imagery evoked in my brain by these songs ranges
from a Quentin Tarantino-esque cantina in Bender to a seaside
encounter between former lovers in Annabelle Lee."
In addition to great imagery and a sneaking suspicion that lead songstress
Tami Means is living inside my head, the supporting instrumentation on this
disc supplies a wonderful balance to the plaintive vocals and guitar work
of Means. Harmonica work from Tony Watts and trumpet contributions from Luis
Moran masterfully set the tone for Means to work her magic. Means own vocals
sway from influences of PJ Harvey, Lucinda Williams, Victoria Williams and
even a smidge of early Liz Phair. The collaboration and structure of this
disc are what first struck my interest, and the more I let this record spin,
the more it not only grows on me, but within me. A truly unique and inspired
effort.
RIYL: PJ Harvey, Victoria Williams, classic country/pop tunes
Standout tracks: I Cant Give You Anything But Love," Annabelle
Lee," America Hates You," Im Gonna Change Everything,"
(Another) Freight Train
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