Kim Richey

Amazon.com
Richey finds her inspiration in the Southern-California country-rock of Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles, and the folk-rock of Tom Petty and the Byrds. The album is full of Beatles-esque touches, such as the string quartet on "Can't Find the Words," the odd McCartney-esque intervals on "Let the Sun Fall Down," or the open tuning and uptempo, three-part vocal harmonies on "Good." If Nashville labels can keep releasing country tributes to the Beatles, surely there's room in town for a woman who can come up with new Beatles-esque songs. And inasmuch as Richey is exploring the strain of the Beatles' music that comes straight out of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, surely there's a country audience for her. --Geoffrey Himes

Kim Richey,Kim Richey,Mercury Nashville,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: More of the same = Excellence again and again. Worth the wait Poetic Masterpiece

Chinese Boxes Kim Richey Manufacturer: Vanguard Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Translated From Love Easy Tiger Over the Hills The Calling Time on Earth ASIN: B000QEIOPS Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Jack And Jill
2. Chinese Boxes
3. Drift
4. The Absence Of Your Company
5. Turn Me
6. I Will Follow
7. Something To Say
8. Not a Love Like This
9. Another Day
10. Pretty Picture

Amazon.com

It's been a long five years between releases, but Kim Richey has clearly spent the time wisely, perfecting these 10 new songs. She clearly enjoys working with different cowriters, since eight tunesmiths--including such contemporaries as Joan Osborne and Mindy Smith--collaborate with her on this superb set. Producer Giles Martin (George's son, producer of the Beatles' Love) injects a somewhat more pop-oriented approach that works wonderfully with this introspective and intricately crafted material. "Jack and Jill" colors in the missing backstory of the children's ditty with sumptuous yet frilly harpsichord, flute, kazoo, and whistling. The title track recalls a snappy Suzanne Vega, adding multi-instrumentalist Billy Mowbray's sax, mellotron, and vibes, while "Not a Love Like This," the Osborne co-write, brings reverbed guitar and a bit of retro to arguably the album's finest and most robust melody. "Pretty Picture," the only tune composed solely by the singer, is a tender, intimate love ballad sung with heartbreaking sensitivity. Richey is in sparkling voice throughout, sounding inspired by her band, the production, and especially the magnificent tunes. The laid-back, layered sound on "Another Day" and the sprightly "I Will Follow" perfectly capture the nuances of their lyrics with subtlety and class, two aspects of the singer's style that have never been compromised. There's not a weak track here, and the sharp sequencing makes this an album that ebbs and flows with Kim Richey's richly articulated vision. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

Newly signed to Vanguard Records, Kim Richey is set to release her first collection of new music in five years on July 10th. Chinese Boxes was produced by Giles Martin and recorded in London at Eastcote Studios and Air Studios Lyndhurst. Giles Martin's most recent project was The Beatles "Love" soundtrack, which he collaborated on with his father, Sir George Martin.

Chinese Boxes is a collection of 10 beautifully crafted soulful songs. The first single "Jack and Jill" (and lead track) gives the couple in the nursery rhyme a bit of a back-story - and the listener a hint of the discoveries to come. The title track tries to define a mysterious person before giving way to "Drift", a poignant love song (co-written with Mindy Smith). "The Absence of Your Company" showcases Richey's vocal vulnerability in a sparse instrumental setting while the cautionary "Another Day" highlights Kim's stunning sense of melody. The album-closing "Pretty Picture", is an intimate ballad that speaks honestly of true love.

Fans and critics alike have long awaited new music from the critically appraised singer/songwriter, whose other albums include Kim Richey (1995), Bitter Sweet (1997), Glimmer (1999), Rise (2002), and The Collection (2004).

Customer Reviews:

More of the same = Excellence again and again........2007-07-12

There are truly more "performers" out there than one might care to shake a proverbial stick at. But there are fewer and fewer Artists making great music these days. People who can truly craft a song, and then produce it to such an extent that the final product significantly moves you. Kim Richey does just that.
Although I think it may be a disservice to even remotely classify her efforts as pop. In the conventional sense of the word anyway.
Her music is deep enough to create it's own mini genre. You'll probably find yourself, as I often do, craving Kim Richey music. There aren't a great deal of people in my music collection I can truly say that about. Sting comes to mind... maybe Peter Gabriel or Sheryl Crow. Where their production sense and musicianship, coupled with their songwriting and performances, allow you to keep the CD continuously running. Music always interesting, with solid melody, that leads you somewhere satisfying.
Every one of her albums is consistent from start to finish, and this one 's no different (Yogi Berra anyone?).
And how many albums do you own, where you really enjoy 90% or more of the music on that album? Two of the only things you'll ever find annoying about Kim Richey's music, is that there isn't enough of it, and you don't have as many people you can talk to about her material, because they're just simply not aware yet.

Worth the wait.......2007-07-12

Ever since I first heard Kim Richey a few years ago (on an episode of Angel), I've been collecting her CD's, delighting in each new discovery. Kim has a gorgeous voice and a talent for writing well-crafted lyrics and lovely melodies. Chinese Boxes is as good or better than any album so far, continuing on a path away from country and towards more of a pop sound (a journey she began in earnest with her 4th album, Rise). Kim is an immensely talented singer/songwriter, and Chinese Boxes is a wonderful addition to an already superb collection of work.

Poetic Masterpiece.......2007-07-11

For Kim Richey to not be a household name after all of the superb albums she has released over the last decade has got to be one of the music business's biggest mysteries. On her fifth studio album Chinese Boxes, she continues to make a simply beautiful album full of poetic lyric writing that breathes life into her highly emotive and real songs. Her voice has never sounded better either. From cover to cover, this album is simply a masterpiece. I hope this album finally catapults her to the rich allocades she deserves--out of the box and into the light.

Average customer rating: Vampire Muzak Exactly what I expected Music to remember Love the show - Love the music more please!

Angel: Live Fast, Die Never - Music from TV Series Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Album (1999 Television Series) Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Radio Sunnydale Firefly (Original Television Soundtrack) Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More, with Feeling Serenity ASIN: B0008FPJ7Q Release Date: 2005-05-17

Tracks:

1. Angel Main Theme The Sanctuary Extended Remix performed by Darling Violetta
2. Start The Apocalypse
3. The End Of The World
4. Massive Assault
5. Home
6. Hero featuring vocals by Elin Carlson
7. Judgment & Jousting
8. The Birth of Angelus featuring vocals by Elin Carlson
9. Rebellion
10. The Trials for Darla
11. Dreaming of Darla
12. Untouched / Darlas Fire
13. Darlas Sacrifice
14. Welcome To PYLEA
15. Through The Looking Glass
16. Castle Attack
17. Cordy Meets Fred
18. Princess Cordelia
19. Farewell Cordelia
20. Im Game by Christophe Beck
21. Touched performed by Vast
22. LA Song performed by Christian Kane
23. Lady Marmalade performed by Andy Hallett
24. Its Not Easy Being Green performed by Andy Hallett,
25. A Place Called Home performed by Kim Richey

Album Description

Fans of Angel have continually hoped to one day hear an album. Their wait is finally over. Live Fast, Die Never: Music from the TV Series features * A newly-recorded, full-length version of the main-title song * 3 songs performed by cast members as were featured in episodes of the show (a karaoke bar was a recurring location) * Score by the show's composer, Robert Kral *key songs to the show performed by Vast and Kim Ritchie *notes from Joss Whedon and extensive cast photos from all 5 seasons Angel is Academy® and Emmy® -nominated writer Joss Whedon's humorous exploration of the twists and turns of adulthood set against a backdrop of supernatural adventure and is seen currently on TNT.

Customer Reviews:

Vampire Muzak.......2007-04-01

The music on the series was very effective and enjoyable, but being written in service to the story and visuals makes it a little unsatisfying with the music alone.

Exactly what I expected.......2007-03-26

I wish it had a few more darker songs on the album but what I got is exactly what I expected it to be. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Music to remember.......2007-03-13

The opening track of the album by Darling Violetta, is absolutely fantastic. Having all the Buffy albums and knowing how thought provoking the music is from that show, I did expect more from the Angel album. But it's still good music and any fan would be happy to say they have it.

Love the show - Love the music.......2007-01-20

It is wonderful music!!! It is as huanting as it was while watching the show!

more please!.......2006-12-05

One of my favorite is season 5 episode 6 "The Cautionary Tale of Numero Cinco " I wish this compilation include the guitar solo section. I am completely opposite to the one of the reviewer. I love the music part only. I find it inspiring. There's some Hans Zimmer style in it. I really dig it...quiet yet powerful. However, it start to become a little too formulated. Too much of the same thing is definitely not a good thing. Ahhh, classic tragic hero stories. I can't resist.

Average customer rating: This CD is definitely worthwhile! Kim Great Album, ...just like the moon... The right place to start discovering Kim Richey

The Collection Kim Richey Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rise Kim Richey Chinese Boxes Bitter Sweet Glimmer ASIN: B00022LIOS Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

1. Can't Find The Words
2. Those Words We Said
3. Just My Luck
4. Every River
5. I'm Alright
6. Straight As The Crow Flies
7. I Know
8. Come Around
9. Hello Old Friend
10. Girl In A Car
11. A Place Called Home
12. The Circus Song (Can't Let Go)
13. No Judges
14. Break You Down
15. Electric Green (live acoustic)

Customer Reviews:

This CD is definitely worthwhile!.......2007-02-27

It's not often that I find a CD with one great song after another. I especially liked, "straight as the crow flies". Also, "those words we said" or "every river", "I know",etc. It is a CD you can listen to over and over and not grow tired of.

Kim.......2007-01-19

I originally only bought this CD for one song. It was in a movie that I had watched and I like it. But after listening to it, it grew on me. She is a talented and underated singer.

Great Album,.......2006-12-12

This isn't a review of "The Collection". This is a review of Kim's 1997 release "Bittersweet". If you find yourself fighting off the "Greatest Hits" then I would highy reccomend this album. Actually, since a friend turned me on to this album, I have always felt it was full of hits. On the first listen my attention was caught and kept throughout, and I think that's saying something.

Ritchie's voice is full and distinctive;I like it alot. Tipping the scale however, are the songs and production. Everything falls nicely together. This album was odviously not a rush job.

Category? I would put her on the shelf between Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams perhaps but, who cares?

Seek and find Kim Ritchey "Bittersweet" and wear it out.

Highly reccomended















Thuis album isn't showing up in the Amazon online bin today but take it from Handyman, Kim Ritchie's "Bittersweet" is worth a search.

...just like the moon..........2006-10-06

kim richey is one of the most underated, gifted singer/songwriters around, and while others have seen their careers floorish in this genre (a.k.a...sarah mclaughlin, melissa etheridge, mary chapin carpenter, etc.), there are others who have fallen by the wayside (gretchen peters, just to name one off the top of my head...)...and then there are those that, have gotten 'slight' recognition, but have also been 'slighted' big time by the industry (roseanne cash, your table is waiting...)...and sadly, it is that final category that ms. richey slips into all-too well...and, i remember first seeing her many years ago at a 'Mercury' showcase (that also included Terri Clark), and this was before either one had their first record out, but i was struck by Kim immediately...and, when her debut disc finally arrived into my awaiting hands, i played that thing like nobody's business, using the song 'just like the moon' as my theme song for my radio show 'moonlight standard time'...well, several albums later, not too many sales in-between, well, we all know that story all-too well, but, i did get a chance to catch up with kimba several times afterwards, and, the last time was down in nashville, performing with the nashville symphony orchestra...she was magnificent...and her acappella version of 'my funny valentine' was a moment in time truly worth capturing...and, hopefully, one day, just like Bonnie Raitt, Kim's time will come again...until then, we'll just have to settle for these 'moments in time' and be thankful...

The right place to start discovering Kim Richey.......2006-09-09

Well, this can be said of any "Best of" album, if you are new to an artist. But in Kim Richey's case, this is particularly true, because with Rise (2002) she departed quite dramatically from the sound of her previous albums. As a proof of what I'm saying, just scroll down the lowest rating reviews of Rise and see how many fans felt betrayed by the change. Conversely, some of those who discovered Richey thanks to Rise were disappointed by her previous efforts.
Richey's first three albums can be loosely catalogued as "country-pop", even though the production becomes "glossier" as she moves from "Kim Richey" (1995) to "Glitter" (1999). I suspect her record company of yore, Mercury Nashville, was behind this gradual but steady shift. However, since sales didn't materialize, they dumped her.
Free from fetters, Kim looked for a new sound to describe her situation and to convey her emotions. "Rise" was born. Understandably, the lyrics are bleak and biographical (when she sings "I never liked a foreman standing over me" in "Girl In A Car" I don't think she's simply talking clichés; do you agree with me, guys at Mercury Nashville?) but the music is also different. She and producer Bill Bottrell must have been tinkering in a shop with all sorts of instruments when recording Rise: melodica, birdie, vibraslap, mini-moog, bozouki, washtub bass, farfisa, wurlitzer are present, among others. The result is a singer-songwriter album with Irish and Middle-Eastern influences. How some people can find it bland, I don't know.
As you have surely understood, I'm fond of Rise, but I also enjoy some songs from her previous albums, especially her debut. For instance, "Just My Luck" and "I Know" are terrific songs, very catchy, but often the other songs in these three albums are just unmemorable.
As for the new songs in this collection, "Electric Green" is a stripped-down live version of the same title song in Rise and "Break You Down" occupies the same turf. It may be an indication that Richey will stay the course started with Rise.

To summarize: buy "The Collection", see where you stand and pick from her precedent discography accordingly.

Average customer rating: Good Stuff Kim Richie The Little Album That Could Kim Richey's Debut Album Ummm . . .

Kim Richey Kim Richey Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bitter Sweet Glimmer Rise The Collection Chinese Boxes ASIN: B000001ED5 Release Date: 1995-05-09

Tracks:

1. Those Words We Said
2. Here I Go Again
3. You'll Never Know
4. That's Exactly What I Mean
5. Let The Sun Fall Down
6. Just Like The Moon
7. From Where I Stand
8. Sweet Mysteries
9. Just My Luck
10. Can't Find The Words
11. That's A Lie
12. Echoes Of Love
13. Good

Amazon.com

Richey finds her inspiration in the Southern-California country-rock of Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles, and the folk-rock of Tom Petty and the Byrds. The album is full of Beatles-esque touches, such as the string quartet on "Can't Find the Words," the odd McCartney-esque intervals on "Let the Sun Fall Down," or the open tuning and uptempo, three-part vocal harmonies on "Good." If Nashville labels can keep releasing country tributes to the Beatles, surely there's room in town for a woman who can come up with new Beatles-esque songs. And inasmuch as Richey is exploring the strain of the Beatles' music that comes straight out of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, surely there's a country audience for her. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Good Stuff.......2006-02-25

A few years ago Wife and I were eating lunch with friends when a Kim Richey song played over the din of the restaurant. One of our friends knew her name and I filed the information away for later use. I managed to snag a couple of her recordings (Kim Richey and Glimmer) from a resale house.

This is a great recording. Richey's music doesn't easily fall into any particular category. Maybe it should be called adult contemporary.

My only criticism, and it's a mild criticism, is that Richey's songs are generally about romantic love. There, that's out of the way. Her choice of topic does not mean her songs are formulaic or redundant; they are assuredly not. Richey explores love and relationships in her songs. She brings a unique perspective and one that I enjoy and appreciate.

Her songs are high quality. Each brings something to me, personally, that I enjoy or relate to. Furthermore, the production does not get in the way of the music. Each instrument is clearly placed and heard in the soundfield without overcoming Richey's marvelous voice. The instruments are clearly articulated, as is her voice. The arrangements are clean and tasteful and add to the songs.

Richey's voice is a rich alto. Her delivery is clean and clear and it's easy to understand the lyrics. Her voice evokes the emotional content of the songs and contains a variety of tones which she uses well as she works from song to song.

Bottom line: I love this recording and it is one that returns to my playlist again and again.

Kim Richie.......2005-12-23

If you've ever been stranded on a long drive down highway 99 in California and rescued by an angel in disguise then you will know what I'm talking about when I say Kim Richie is the quentissential glaze on that hot road to LA. I've seen her play live and have cherished her "country rock soul blues" for many years and recommend you give a listen. My only hope is that Kim will not stop recording. There are so many more songs I can imagine from her. L.

The Little Album That Could .......2005-10-23

This album came out in 1995 with only a modest bit of publicity. It spent all of one week on BILLBOARD's country album chart in number 74 position. Yet here it is ten years later and the album is still in print (unlike many top ten ones from the same year!) and selling quite well judging by Amazon's count. The reason is clear - Kim Richey is a wonderful singer and an extraordinary songwriter. This is her most conventionally "country" work although it pushes the envelope with it's innovative arrangements and vocal stylings.

The songs are so good - the haunting, rocking "Those Words We Said" - the whimsical "Just My Luck" - the delightful "Here I Go Again" - the sassy "Good". Many of these songs were later covered by more mainstream country singers who had moderate hits on them but these singers simply could not do the songs justice. I think if the label had put a little more push behind Kim she would have been another Mary Chapin-Carpenter with a string of major hits and awards. All of the songs are winners. I've played my cassette of this tape for 10 years now on a regular basis. Kim's no so country anymore, still producing good music though. It's definately country music's loss.

Kim Richey's Debut Album.......2005-09-07

This woman is a star that not a lot of people know of. Amazing voice and fabulous songwriter....this record rocks and every song is a favorite. Buy this record.

Ummm . . ........2004-04-27

This is not a good album. If, like me, you decide to go back because you love "Rise" ... don't go this far back.

Average customer rating: another beautiful voice! A strong follow up to a dynamic debut Never leaves the CD changer! Worthy Follow-Up Don't Let Me Down Easy...

Bitter Sweet Kim Richey Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kim Richey Glimmer Rise The Collection Chinese Boxes ASIN: B000001EQA Release Date: 1997-03-04

Tracks:

1. Every River
2. I'm Alright
3. Wildest Dreams
4. Straight As The Crow Flies
5. I Know
6. Fallin'
7. To Tell The Truth
8. My Whole World
9. The Lonesome Side Of Town
10. Don't Let Me Down Easy
11. Let It Roll
12. Why Can't I Say Goodnight

Amazon.com

This sophomore album may suffer slightly in comparison with Richey's stunning, self-titled 1995 debut, but there wasn't much else out there in 1997 that it didn't eclipse. Richey is a stellar songwriter (with several hits by others to her credit) whose own records straddle the rock/country divide, placing her squarely in commercial limbo. But it's our loss that there isn't a niche for songs like the gorgeous "Every River," the insanely catchy "I Know," the subtly '60s-ish "Lonesome Side of Town," and the devastating "My Whole World." Richey's voice is not Nashville's most distinctive, but it communicates a full range of emotions, and she abets it skillfully by double-tracking her own harmonies. The playing, writing, and fascinatingly varied stylistic touches here are a joy to hear; Richey's career merits your undivided attention. --Ken Barnes

Customer Reviews:

another beautiful voice!.......2007-03-14

I recently bought Kim Richey's "the Collection" and instantly fell in love with her voice and songs. This CD was just as good. Simply great music!

A strong follow up to a dynamic debut.......2005-12-04

Though I may agree that BiterSweet may not be as enjoyable (merely for the fact that the debut KIM Richey, was nearly flawless), it is certainly a great album by a highly talentled artist. This album features her crossover hit "I Know", which is socmething the debut can not claim. Richey's hit from the first album was "Just My Luck" which was widely recieved by country radio, but "I Know" made it continuously onto VH1, which I can recall the black and white video to this day. :) I highly reccomend this disc as comparred to "Rise" which i found to be a bit too experimental for Richey, though I admire her for trying new things. In addition to the debut and this release, my favorite Kim Richey release is "Glimmer", which features my fav song by her "Keep Me" as well as many other great song! Rock on Kimmy! :)

Never leaves the CD changer!.......2003-06-17

This has been in the CD changer in the convertible ever since I purchased it. When I sold the car and got a new one Bitter Sweet went right in the new convertible's changer.

I had heard a couple of the tunes on a progressive radio station and took a chance on the CD. While I do repeat some of my favorites, there is not a song on here that I skip. They are all good. This is my favorite Kim Richey CD and the place I would start listening to her work. Glimmer would probably be the 2nd CD to get.

Listen to the samples here - then buy this CD!

Worthy Follow-Up.......2002-07-27

Kim Richey has always been a hard one to categorize(as if she really needed to be), but unfortunately in a day when commercial success seems to be fueled by what radio format your music can be programmed into, Richey's always been left off the boat. Far too sophisticated and clever for the typically narrow-minded world of Nashville, and maybe too jangly/guitar pop for mainstream radio, she's nevertheless managed to stay the course and put out several first-rate discs, with this one falling somewhere between the slickly-produced but exquisite debut and her even more polished pop-powered third set. Richey's songs here are definately given tons of room to breathe here, with the production using more typically country arrangements and instrumentation(mandolins, banjos)than previously heard in her music. She pulls it off beautifully, particularly on the set's opening six tracks, after which she takes a detour into Mavericks-style country-rock('To Tell The Truth', 'My Whole World'), then slowing down the tempo a bit at the end. And while it fails to live up to the consistently clever hooks of her debut, the best songs here('I'm Alright','Every River','Fallin')are as good as anything on that set. All in all, a more than worthy follow-up to an unbelievably good debut.
it

Don't Let Me Down Easy..........2002-04-20

I went through a painful final separation from the love of my life when this CD was released in 1997, and I identified with every song. I listened to this CD over and over for several months. I saw Kim at the "House of Blues" in Hollywood during that time and sang along to every song. This CD is my favorite "bitter sweet" CD of all time. I love you, Kim.

Average customer rating: Mixed Results Subtle delight Bright artwork hides mellow album Rise also first heard on Angel "Shells"

Rise Kim Richey Manufacturer: Mca Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Glimmer Kim Richey Bitter Sweet The Collection Chinese Boxes ASIN: B00006F2P1 Release Date: 2007-03-19

Tracks:

1. Girl In A Car
2. A Place Called Home
3. Me And You
4. The Circus Song (Can't Let Go)
5. Fading
6. Without You
7. Reel Me In
8. No Judges
9. This Love
10. Good Day Here
11. Electric Green
12. Hard To Say Goodbye
13. Cowards In A Brave New World

Amazon.com

Nashville's loss is Kim Richey's gain. Though she has written chart-topping hits for Radney Foster and Trisha Yearwood and pursued a recording career on the fringes of the country mainstream, her fourth and best album sounds like a fresh start. It certainly doesn't sound like contemporary country, as the artist and producer Bill Bottrell (who helmed similarly creative breakthroughs by Sheryl Crow and Shelby Lynne) collaborate on a sensually bluesy song cycle that shows a determination to defy categorization, follow its own musical dictates, and find its own audience. The album-opening "Girl in a Car" sounds like it could have been a highlight for Lucinda Williams, while the languid atmospherics of "Fading," "Without You," and "Reel Me In" have a seductive intimacy that is equal parts torch song and lullaby. From the Wurlitzer organ on "The Circus Song" to the bouzouki that lends an Eastern tinge to "This Love" and "Electric Green" (the latter written and sung with Pete Droge), the stripped-down arrangements accent the freshness of the material. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Mixed Results.......2005-07-07

This album makes for a very difficult review. Not only is the material a little darker than one is used to on a Richey effort but the musical style is quite varied within the collection. I have been listening to Richey for years and have her other studio albums as well but only recently have I started to consider her one of my favorite artists. I applaud her chameleon like ability to throw herself into new musical territory for each new album. She attempts to make each album fairly thematic but always tries to mix in a few more mainstream songs as well.

For the benefit of those of you not familiar with her catalog, the first two albums(Kim Richey & Bittersweet) are very country with the first one being maybe more Alt-Country and the second more mainstream Country. Her latest two albums(Glimmer & Rise) only have a hint of Country in them at all. Glimmer is a contemporary folk/pop sounding record brilliantly produced by Hugh Padgham very similar to what Shawn Colvin was doing in the early 90s. Richey brought to this musical style an almost unparalleled ability to vocalize a mood change or emotion(or as Radney Foster said she can really "interpret a lyric"). This combination produced several outstanding tracks most notably "If You Don't Mind" and "Didn't I" and I'm not ashamed to admit that Glimmer is my favorite Kim Richey album.

This brings us to Rise which opens with two more songs that expand on anything she had done previously. "Girl In A Car" is a low key bluesy song of self examination and "A Place Called Home" is a straightforward folk song(with some nice touches in the production) about a wanderer yearning for a sense of place. Both songs are breathtakingly simple. Unfortunately after the harmless "Me And You" the album takes a drastic turn that it can't recover from for several tracks. "Fading" and "This Love" are ok but the other tracks in the middle of the album are horrible.....And then...."Good Day Here" is I think Ms Richey's finest piece of work but again one that is very dark and not likely to win over the casual listener. "Electric Green" and "Hard To Say Goodbye" are also excellent before the other evil side of the record returns in the final cut.

In summary what you get with Rise is four or five terrific tracks which rank among her best, along with about five awful tracks that are among her worst and a few others. As an album it is a failure but my admiration for the artist has increased.

Subtle delight.......2005-06-17

This album's dreamlike flow is probably not going to win any instant converts, but give it a chance and it will insinuate itself into your psyche, and you will find yourself taking delight in its many subtle charms. Similar in feel to some of Lucinda Williams' later albums, it is more poppy, less bluesy. It is also more experimental, but not overtly so: The way a high-top is suggested in the drum rolls in "The Circus Song", the cool -- as in a wisp of peppermint -- guitar break in "Without You", the bodhran opening of "Reel Me In". There are layers and details here that will reward repeated listenings with increasing appreciation for what Richey and her producer, Bill Bottrell, have crafted.

Bright artwork hides mellow album.......2005-04-13

I can understand why this album disappoints some of Kim Richey's fans (this is very different from Kim's earlier albums) but I can also understand why other fans love this album - and I am in the second group. Played as background music, all the songs may well sound similar. This album is definitely unsuitable as background music at least until you have played it enough to be familiar with it.

Produced by Bill Bottrell, who has previously with Sheryl Crow and Shelby Lynne among others, this album definitely needs a few plays to be appreciated although Kim sings as good as ever. I have not followed Kim's career closely but I get the impression that she was at a point in her life where there was a lot of uncertainty. Kim spends a lot of time remembering the past and wondering what the future might hold. Most of the songs are slow, reflective ballads with a bluesy feel to them. Kim even sings a song about good memories (The circus song) reflectively, rather than making it into an upbeat, joyful song.

The tempo picks up a little on No judges, which some people interpret as a gospel song. It could be, but then again it could be a simple love song - or just a song about forgiveness. The tempo picks up a little more on the next track, This love. Again some might interpret this as a gospel song (and it contains references to Jerusalem\) Again, it might be but I interpret it as a love song. It's back to normal for this album with Good day here, in which Kim tries to prevent somebody digging up the past, thus potentially spoiling a good day. After two further mellow tracks, the tempo picks up once more for the final track, Cowards in a brave new world, thus ending the album on a cheerful note.

This is a very mellow, often melancholy, album that may not suit everybody but, after a few spins, I quite enjoy it.

Rise.......2004-08-04

This is my favorite album from Kim Richey. It's a far cry from the material she did on past albums (which is excellent too). RISE is a more edgy, and experimental album, than any of her prior ones. On this disc, Kim Richey worked with producer Bill Botrell, who previously worked on Sheryl Crow's breakthrough debut album TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB, and Shelby Lynne's I AM SHELBY LYNNE disc. The two are a good match, and I can only hope that they will work together again. The lyrics still have the introspection that we've come to love and expect from her. "This Love" is one of my favorites, a fun uptempo song. "Fading" is so sad, she sings so softly and so sadly on this one. "Girl In A Car" is very introspective and revealing, as is "A Place Called Home" which she recorded in one take, and she was choked up while singing this song about searching for a place of her own. "The Circus Song (Can't Let Go)" is very cool. Another highlight is the haunting "Electric Green". Overall a great album!

also first heard on Angel "Shells".......2004-05-07

I also first heard the song "Place called home" at the end of the Angel episode "Shells". I don't have words for how moving it was, I just had to go and find it.

Average customer rating: Love it I'm taken A Hidden Gem Mellow pop rock from under-rated Kim Her best CD!

Glimmer Kim Richey Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bitter Sweet Rise Kim Richey The Collection Chinese Boxes ASIN: B00000JNNO Release Date: 1999-08-03

Tracks:

1. Can't Lose Them All
2. Other Side Of Town
3. Come Around
4. Lay It Down
5. Hello Old Friend
6. Way It Never Was, The
7. Good At Secrets
8. Keep Me
9. If You Don't Mind
10. So It Goes
11. Long Way Back
12. Didn't I
13. I Will Be the Strength In You
14. Gravity

Amazon.com

Kim Richey's first two albums fit, one way or another, into that vague sound called alternative country, but like many other acts in the genre (Old 97's, Wilco), Richey has mostly chosen to leave country behind for the sound of pure pop. Glimmer sounds less like a poppy Steve Earle and more like a barely twangy Fleetwood Mac or Sam Phillips, which would be wonderful except she doesn't pull it off. The problem's not the absence of twang; it's the absence of any pop appeal to do her songs justice. Throughout, producer Hugh Padgham fashions similar arrangements that bury Richey's rich voice and subtle hooks in atmospheric washes: strings that never soar, keyboards that noodle, guitars that jangle prettily--the album seems textureless. Consequently, even gripping songs like "Didn't I," "Hello Old Friend," and "The Way It Never Was" come off disappointingly flat. There are glimmers of insight in these cuts, but they deserved to shine. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Love it.......2007-01-08

I love Kim Richey's music and have seen her live at the Bluebird in Nashville. This is the second of her albums that I've owned. (note - lost Glimmer and Bitter Sweet in Hurricane Katrina, I have replace both and recently ordered Rise and Kim Richey!). To me this album is more produced and has more of a pop sound than Bitter Sweet, What I'd really like to hear is all acoutic version of the really good songs from all her albums. The first two tracks on this CD are great. But, "Didn't I" by itself is worth the price of the album! Every song is a gem, but there are four really good compositions on this record; Gravity, Didn't I, Can't Lose Them All, and Other Side Of Town.

I'm taken.......2005-11-03

in by this release. I first tried "Bittersweet", but found nothing that grabbed me, nothing memorable. "Glimmer" however, while more of a pop sound, is lyrically sharper and musically more diverse.
The opener, "Can't Lose Them All", along with "Other Side of Town", "Lay it Down", "The Way it Never Was", "Good at Secrets" and "Keep Me" all are standout tracks. The others, while not as strong, measure up to anything from the "Bittersweet" release.
I say hats off to Kim for not getting stuck in a single genre and spreading her creative wings.

A Hidden Gem.......2005-04-27

It seems that many want to place Kim Richey in a box and she just doesn't seem to fit in one. Like Shawn Colvin, she is someone who just has her own category. This is actually my favorite of all the Kim Richey I own, followed by "Bitter Sweet" and "Rise". My favorite song on "Glimmer" is "Didn't I" and the title song is great as well. Give this one a try and enjoy.

Mellow pop rock from under-rated Kim.......2004-06-11

Kim Richey has a wonderful voice and writes equally wonderful songs. She could me a major star but it seems that she doesn't record the kind of music most people want. This album is not easily categorized but I would describe it as mellow pop rock. Evidence of Kim's country roots is hard to find (a mandolin appears among the credits but identifying it might be challenging) although some people will classify this as an alt-country album. The album requires playing a few times to really be appreciated - a characteristic shared by many predominately mellow albums. So in some ways I can understand the mixed reviews this album gets but as far as I'm concerned this is brilliant.

Hugh Padgham, a noted pop-rock producer who has worked with Sting and Phil Collins among others, produced the album using a variety of musicians. The instruments credited (some several times) include drums, percussion, bass, acoustic bass, moog bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, Hammond b-3, piano, accordion, harmonica, cello, violin, viola and that mandolin I mentioned earlier. Personally, I think the album would have worked equally well with far fewer instruments, but Hugh did a great job and he still remembered that Kim's voice is the most important instrument of all.

The songs include Can't lose them all (a song of hope), Other side of town (about hiding from familiar people), Come around (wanting to rekindle an old flame) and many other great songs too numerous to mention in detail.

If you are able to give this album the repeated plays it deserves, you will surely come to appreciate a truly great singer-songwriter. On the other hand, if you want instant gratification, look for something more suitable.

Her best CD!.......2004-05-15

I stumbled across this fine artist a year ago or so. Since then I've managed to get all the albums together. This is by far the best. It has sweet songs like "hello old friend" and bitter(-sweet) songs like "didn't I". This shows how much talent for songwriting she has. Melodies that stay for you for days or lyrics that make you think, smile. I can only recommend it to anyone who likes modern country music at its best!

Average customer rating:

The Real Deal: Country, Alternative and In-between: New Music From Mercury Nashville: Straight As the Crow Flies By Kim Richey, Chance & Circumstance By Neal Coty, It's a Long Way Back By John Anderson, Sending Me Angels By Kathy Mattea, Tired By Toby Keith, Bluegrass State of Mind By Billy Ray Cyrus, Hot Wired By Brent Mason, Jacob's Ladder By Mark Wills, Vidalia By Sammy Kershaw, Better Things to Do By Terri Clark ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000FUIIAY

Average customer rating:

WXPN Live @ The World Cafe Volume 6 Keb Mo,Boz Scaggs, Kim Richey,Kami Lyle Indigo Girls Manufacturer: WXPN World Cafe ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000CMKPO2

Product Description

Track listing 1. Stage Introduction - David Dye 2. Closer To Free - The BoDeans 3. Maple Tree - Sherri Jackson 4. Wait - Huffamoose 5. Wondering Where The Lions Are - Bruce Cockburn 6. That's Not Love - Keb' Mo' 7. It's Alright - Indigo Girls 8. Buildings & Bridges - Ani DiFranco 9. Perfectly Good Guitar - John Hiatt 10. Nitrus - Dick Dale 11. Wang Dang Doodle - Koko Taylor 12. Lowdown - Boz Scaggs 13. Good Enough - Sarah McLachlan 14. There Is A Mountain - Donovan 15. Polka Dots - Kami Lyle 16. Every River - Kim Richey 17. Pancho & Lefty - Townes Van Zandt

Average customer rating: Musicians Unite To Benefit Free Speech Obscure Gem refills Empty Music Glass

Freedom Sings: First Amendment Center Greg Trooper , Steve Earle , Tammy Rogers , Dan Baird , Chip Taylor , Tommy Womack , Kevin Welsch , Rodney Crowell , Beth Nielsen Chapman , and Radney Foster & Bill Lloyd Manufacturer: First Amendment Center ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Workbench Songs ASIN: B000LX41FG

Product Description

Track Titles: 1. Ken Paulson, First Amendment Center / Introduction 2. Ohio - Greg Trooper 3. Annie Had A Baby - Jonell Mosser 4. The Pusher - John Kay 5. Street Fighting Man - Dan Baird 6. Good Rockin' Tonight - Bill Lloyd 7. Eve Of Destruction - Tommy Womack 8. Wasteland Of The Free - Kevin Welsch 9. Oke From Muskogee - Rodney Crowell 10. Society's Child -Beth Nielsen Chapman 11. In The Ghetto - Radney Foster & Bill Lloyd 12. Where Have All The Flowers Gone - Don Henry, Kim Richey & Bill Lloyd 13. Blowin In The Wind - Tammy Rogers 14. Bigot's Graveyard - Chip Taylor 15. Beautiful Fool - Kim Richey & Don Henry 16. Fight The Power - Stone Deep 17. Christmas In Washington - Steve Earle 18. This Land Is Your Land - Freedom Sings Performers & Audience

Customer Reviews:

Musicians Unite To Benefit Free Speech.......2007-02-24

This unique and now rare CD captures a two-night performance at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville to benefit the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. The CD was originally offered to the public for free (with only a nominal mailing charge), with the hope that the recipient would recognize the importance of the cause and make an additional monetary donation to the Center, which battles censorship and other infringements on First Amendment rights.

The concept behind the choice of songs was simple; every song on this disc was banned or surpressed in some manner at the time it was originally released. They dealt with a variety of subjects: sex, integration, and the Vietnam-era anti-war movement among them. Some of the tunes are very familiar, such as Good Rockin' Tonight (best known through Elvis Presley's recording), Ohio (Crosby Stills Nash & Young) Blowin' In the Wind (Bob Dylan) and In the Ghetto (also Elvis), while others were more obscure, then and now. In some cases, it seems almost laughable that the song prompted such an uproar. But almost all of them had an important message about society at the time they first recorded.

The list of performers is diverse and impressive. Steve Earle performs one of his own recent compositions, and Rodney Crowell, Radney Foster, Bill Lloyd (who also serves as musical director), Dan Baird, Kim Richey, Kevin Welch, and Greg Trooper also appear. The best performance is turned in by Tommy Womack, whose version of Eve of Destruction has an honesty, passion and energy that Barry McGuire's hit version (1965) sorely lacked. Another highlight is a straightfaced trio rendition of Where Have All the Flowers Gone, a song I never again expected to enjoy, having lived through too many saccharine versions during the Sixties folk boom. Sadly, its powerful anti-war message is relevant again in our times.

The purpose for these performances is found in the songs themselves; there are no heavy-handed speeches or politicizing. But these sensitive and intelligent renditions serve to remind us how precious is the right of free speech, and that artistic expression should not be crushed by political or social agendas.

Even if you remain unpersuaded by the politics, this recording is a lot of fun, with a lot of terrific songs, and it stands up to repeated listening. Good luck finding this CD, but if you do, grab it. You won't be disappointed.

Obscure Gem refills Empty Music Glass.......2007-01-15

This is one of my finds at NYC this past Holiday. I think it was at a St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store on 79th & Broadway... Great little place; big on books and knick-knacks and a surprisingly beefy little selection of CD's.
The reason this particular CD stands out from the others is 2-fold. 1st, {amendment}.. I can't get this to show-up on All Music, which is where I go for a little background sometimes.. Sometimes alot. and 2nd, There are substantial cover-materials here to warrant a cop.
Dan Baird of the Legendary Georgia Satellite turns in a kill-me-with-it version of "Stret Fighting Man".. and Rodney Crowell, the first Mr. RoseAnne Cash, trips into Merle-Town with that anti-hippie chestnut "Okie from Muskogee".
You also get "Society's Child" and "Ohio" and "In the Ghetto"- - -

Bill Lloyd seems to be the thread. It's like great evening out with a group of musicians doing what they do best.
18 in all.

Music Album:

1. Kindness of the World
2. Lessons Learned
3. Life [Original recording remastered]
4. Live at Liberty Lunch [Live]
5. Lost Herd
6. Mission Chapel Memories 1971-1975
7. Norman Blake and Sam Bush and David Holland
8. Now & Then
9. On the Road Again
10. Once in a Very Blue Moon [Original recording remastered]

Music Album