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Charming Hostess: Sarajevo Blues
ByMany of the themes explored here are heavy, but in the mode of Phil Ochs'1ate-1960s hit "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" or Country Joe's "Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag," Charming Hostessa self-described "Nerdy-sexy-commie-girlie band"juxtaposes thematically weighty issues with bright, exuberant sounds, telling tales of horror with a life-affirming sound that thumbs its nose at the venal stupidity of those who wage war.
"Death Is A Job"a hit record for a new millenniumis the highlight for this listener, a story of crossing an intersection to avoid a sniper's bullet and running into a war photographer, a tale told with doo-wop vocals backed by a beatbox, a tight rhythm full of glorious girl group energy.
If it all sounds like a weighty listengrenades and blood washed away by rain, bullets flyingthe disc can enjoyed on musical terms alone. Moments like the cello/bass interplay behind the vocals on "Zenica Blues" are heaven, as are the vocal harmonies throughout, along with the pure feminine energy of it all.
An informed source tells me Charming Hostess is quite something in a live setting. They're quite something on disc, too.
Visit Charming Hostess on the web.
Track Listing
Viva Orduenya, Si Veriash La Rana, War, The Tunnel, Imam Bey's Mosque, Exodus, Expulsion, What Will You Remember, Grbavica, Death Is A Job, A Relatively Calm Day, Zenica Blues, Open Dialogue, Adam, Aish Ye K'dish
Personnel
Jewlia Eisenberg--voice, harmonium; Marika Hughes--voice, cello; Cynthia Taylor--voice; with special guests: Wesley Anderson, Juliet Lee--drums; Tim Barsky--beatbox; Devin Hoff--double bass; Dan Rathbunbass; Carla Kihlstedt--violin; Nils Frykdahl--nylon oud, voice; Ishay Sommer--guitars, electronics; Roy Yarkoni--keyboards; Yoav Klein--bassoons
Album information
Title: Sarajevo Blues | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Tzadik
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