I'm sort of surprised that for each album under "songs", there isn't a thread to talk about the album in general. Well, maybe this will start a trend?

I had been without a copy of "Songs In Red and Gray" for over a year (can you imagine?), and part of the delay was because I intended to eventually get around to re-ordering that Japanese Amazon one that also has "Golden". Well, believe it or not, you CAN still get that (and you DON'T have to pay $50US at that Mattscdsingles website). So, I placed the order a week or so ago and got them in the mail a couple of days ago.

I put in SiRaG into my laptop with the brand new computer speakers I got the other week (Sonys that are like 10w each and handle pretty good), and I actually marveled at the CD. For a long time, I thought it was her weakest CD, especially because of Rupert Hines's overproduction, but now I am not so sure.

A little side note: I am convinced that the Japanese pressing is of a little higher quality than the American pressing - the CD sound seems better.

Anyway, so it totally jammed in my speakers. It sounded GREAT. It was wonderful to her "Golden" again - well worth ordering the CD from amazon.co.jp just for that song, especially if you have no copy of SiRaG at all. "Golden" is a real, fun treat. It was also nice to listen to "Soap and Water" which I think is a really good song that's growing on me, as well as "Widow's Walk" which I REALLY just love (and would like her to do a good acoustic version of sometime). Additionally, I got into "St. Clare" for the first time and now I don't understand why I didn't get into it earlier.

I still don't like Rupert Hines's overproduction, especially whereas the first couple of songs are concerned, but maybe in other places, even in this album, his "lushness" is warranted. I'd say definitely so on "Golden", which I have a new appreciation for all of a sudden.

And even though I sometimes think SV's albums have been becoming increasingly uneven efforts since either SS or DoOH, I'd say that her bright spots keep getting brighter and brighter. I simply cannot wait to see what masterpieces her next album brings. If "Anniversary" and "It Hit Home" are any indication of what we have to look forward to on her 7th...omammamia!!!!!

-M

Haha, Matt's CD Singles got that through me, btw. I mailed them they should put it on the list seperately including the hidden exclusive track Golden.

I just wanted to say I bought the CD today from my local record store, and im just totally blown away by it.
-the only thing I'd heard off it before I bought it was Last Years Troubles, which incidentally I love the video for.
Its just an awesome CD.
And I just wanted to say that !

This cd was very anticipated by myself after a 5 year wait. I remember getting it the day it came out a couple of weeks after the twin towers were attacked. It will always remind me a bit of that event partly because it was comforting. Last Year's Troubles was ironic given what had just happened. This disc is truly a real grower. Haunting and beautiful. Heartbreaking as well as a very seemingly personal record for Suzanne. I think it's her strongest record overall since Day of Open Hand. A lovely late-night listen and wonderful sounding. Being a fan for years, I was truly thrilled with this disc and I wait in anticipation for the next (on Blue Note!!!)

Try listening to it on a fab stereo. I have a good set up here, and only the over proccessing spoil it. The subject matter (Suzannes divorce) is so personal and revealing. It is my favourite album.

Chriggle