Hourglass

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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0766397425528
Item Dimensions: 20
Label: Compass Records
Manufacturer: Compass Records
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Compass Records
Release Date: August 18, 1998
Studio: Compass Records


 

Editorial Review:

Amazon.com:
Folk music seems simple, and many pretenders pull into town with little more than a presentable voice and a handful of beginner guitar chords. Much more infrequently, performers come along with basically the same constituent parts but through the sheer force of their artistry and integrity are able to use these simple elements to communicate whole lifetimes of experience. Such a performer is youthful Kate Rusby, who sings with the focus and depth one usually associates with the graceful compensations of age. Her crystal-clear voice (reminiscent in turns of Linda Thompson and Sandy Denny) rings out from the first cut. Rusby's assured delivery is dappled with small, unmasked idiosyncrasies that add emotional immediacy. Meanwhile, the all-acoustic presentation is inventive but never slick or overwhelming. Hourglass announces an important new light in the traditional British folk scene. --Anthony Bonet

Average Rating:

Rating: - Excellent Rusby Record of English Folk Music
"Hourglass" by Kate Rusby presents a wonderful collection of English folk music both new and traditional.

This young lady manages to make the traditional songs come to life and sounds contemporary, and the new songs sound like they were written hundreds of years ago. Her voice is beautifully unadorned without unnecessarily unaffected.

On songs like "Sir Eglamore," ""Jolly Ploughboys," "I Am Stretched Out On Your Grave," "Drowned Lovers," and " Bold Riley" Rusby charms, ... Read More

Rating: - awesome musician
i must admit that i heard this on a recorded tape while i was waiting for a girl i was babysitting to fall asleep, and i may have missed the last song or two, but what i heard was amazing. this woman's music is beautiful--you lose yourself in her lyrics, her voice, and her stunning guitar riffs: especially when you expect to hear a child's lullaby tape, and you get kate rusby. someone you may never have heard of, but if you know one thing, you know that as soon as you can get to the store you're ... Read More

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Rating: - ....angelic
If I ever Needed a gentle soothing voice to lull me to sleep at nights, Kate Rusby would be right there by my side. English folk sensation has put together some very formular traditional songs with her own personal touches to them...how many more times will "I Am Stretched On Your Grave" be covered.

Although I like all three of Kate Rusby's c.d's "Hourglass" is my personal favorite and it isn't only my favorite of hers but of any folk c.d in general and I have never been deeply rooted ... Read More

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Rating: - Five Stars?
Five stars? These are all pretty songs, but I wouldn't say the album belongs in five-star territory; for the most part, you have to go over to Ireland for that. Not long ago I heard Kate perform in front of Altan, and one thing I couldn't help noticing was that Mairead, in addition to having a sharp Irish accent, also takes pains to sharply enunciate every syllable of the lyrics she sings. Kate's voice has a tendency to be suppressed in the instrumentals.

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Rating: - My most played CD from last year.
Browsing a record shop last year I picked up Little Lights at the time of its release. I liked it well enough to get Hourglass a few weeks later. Since then, this is the closest I've come to wearing out a CD.

I'm hardly a folkie, but I found this CD very accessible as I'm sure many others would. The blend of trad songs and Rusby originals is excellent as is the classy instrumental backing to Rusby's distinctive voice.

There is much to enjoy on the CD but I'll pick out A Rose ... Read More