Waltzie [EP]

Amazon.com
This beautifully understated five-song EP was merely a short detour on the road toward Cary's proper full-length debut, 2002's While You Weren't Looking, but by no means is it a tossed-off or stopgap affair. In fact, its mostly acoustic setting and relaxed vibe gives it a warmth and intimacy that its successor doesn't always seem to have. Atop delicately plucked strings and atmospheric electric-guitar shades, Cary's immaculate voice--dry but expressive, stark but soft--glows gently and breathtakingly, particularly on her cover of Richard and Linda Thompson's "Withered and Died." Her four original songs--including the heartbreaking "Sorry," which she reprised for the follow-up--show an ability to get to the emotional heart of matters. In many ways, Cary couldn't be any more different from her old Whiskeytown pal Ryan Adams. While Adams, however appealingly, fools around with transient, near-the-surface feelings, Cary heads right for the core with depth and maturity. --Marc Greilsamer

Tracks:

Sorry
Rosemary Moore
Nursery Lie
Big Town
Withered & Died

Amazon.com

This beautifully understated five-song EP was merely a short detour on the road toward Cary's proper full-length debut, 2002's While You Weren't Looking, but by no means is it a tossed-off or stopgap affair. In fact, its mostly acoustic setting and relaxed vibe gives it a warmth and intimacy that its successor doesn't always seem to have. Atop delicately plucked strings and atmospheric electric-guitar shades, Cary's immaculate voice--dry but expressive, stark but soft--glows gently and breathtakingly, particularly on her cover of Richard and Linda Thompson's "Withered and Died." Her four original songs--including the heartbreaking "Sorry," which she reprised for the follow-up--show an ability to get to the emotional heart of matters. In many ways, Cary couldn't be any more different from her old Whiskeytown pal Ryan Adams. While Adams, however appealingly, fools around with transient, near-the-surface feelings, Cary heads right for the core with depth and maturity. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Hopeful Yearning...........2000-08-10

Caitlin Cary has been compared to Emmylou Harris, but as I'm completely ignorant of historically important country music, I'll just have to take other reviewers' word on that. What I do know is that this five-song ep bodes well for a promised full-length release. Cary's voice has the heartbreaking quality of other country queens, but with a modern, hopeful lilt. I think these songs would please alt-country depressives, as well as those who just enjoy a lovely voice singing a homey song. It's good to see her on her own.

Music Album:

Music Album