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Last updated 13th June 2004 Home © Sue C 1997 -2004 All Rights Reserved
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The following review of TASTE was taken from http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/ PITCHFORK MEDIA REVIEW OF TASTE
To me, Margot Smith was always one of those artists you never heard, you only read about. Terrifically hip magazines like Q and Select would always compare records by an assortment of thoughtful rock songstresses to "the best that Margot Smith ever released." And I was always in the dark-- what was I missing? Finally, upon hearing Smith's latest release, Taste, I've realized what all the hype is about. I agree with the music critic big shots who write about Smith's unique angle on the new rock-- but I really can't agree with their need to compare her to any other contemporary female musicians. One unarguable comparison that I can make is to some of the Church's better
work. The opening track, "Hope," is clearly influenced by the guitar
stylings of Churchmen Steve Kilbey
and Peter Koppes-- who, incidentally, appear on a number of tracks on the
record. In fact, Immersion Records is the recently- launched record label run by
Koppes. But this is no Church rip-off act. Smith injects a degree of subtlety
into the lyrics, and her smooth vocal delivery sets the album apart from the
rock mainstream.
"Profit" has an eerie reprimanding tone, with Smith's carefully
controlled lyrics overtop. On this track, as on most others on the record, she
evokes fear and awe in the listener. In a very quiet way, Smith pulls you in to
her world of atmospheric emotional music.
Am I giving her too much credit on this one? Maybe, but it's a solid
recording by a women who, despite constant comparisons, defies and will outlast
all of them.
by Aparna Mohan |