Reviews
Artist:Brandi Carlile
Album:The Story
Label:Columbia
Tracks:13
Website:http://www.brandicarlile.co.uk/
Brandi Carlile; an unknown singer-song writer from rural Ravensdale, Washington, released her debut CD in 1995. Patsy Cline, the Indigo Girls (who make an appearance on 'The Story.') Jeff Buckley, KD Lang, Beth Orton, Linda Ronstadt, and Aimee Mann are listed as influences, as are Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette whose music filled the house as she was growing up.
Brandi even lists yodeling as a talent she learned from her grandfather. Carlile and her band, which includes the guitar-and-bass-playing Hanseroth twins traveled the country for two years, first as openers, then as headliners.
On The Story, Carlile teams up with veteran roots producer T Bone Burnett, who brings in vintage equipment and strips down her sound giving a truly honest recording which shows the true diversity of Brandi's voice. It has been said of Brandi that 'she can seduce you with a whisper and then go right for your gut.'
This is never more true than on the title track of The Story. Carlile proves she isn't afraid to really put herself out there - even revealing something as naked and honest as her voice cracking. "That's the thing about singing live in the studio," she says. "Whatever happens is the truth, and you can't change it."
The songs on The Story blur every line between musical genres so much so it is rendered impossible to determine what category Brandi's music should fit into Echoes of country and folk tinge "Have You Ever," inspired by a friend going out to Iraq, and the simple acoustic "Cannonball," but it is the drama of the more epic-sounding "Until I Die," "Late Morning Lullaby," and "My Song" which brings to mind a classic U2 song, that leave the greatest lasting impressions. "Wasted" is a hauntingly beautiful song about watching someone you love waste their talents - it related to her brother and music but we will all experience that feeling about someone, during our lives. "Turpentine" contains the very eloquent line 'Just when we thought we could be great/ reality it permeates/ it conquers from within.'
Her music has been embraced the by people the world over, including the producers of 'Grey's Anatomy' who chose to include her music in the soundtrack. The Story is thus far my standout album of 2008, and my favourite gym and driving CD! I am already looking forward to seeing what follows this and to seeing Brandi live. I have no doubt at all that Brandi Carlile's story has just begun.
Helen Mitchell