Merrie AmsterburgCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Alternative pop/folk Status:Most recent release, We Three Kings / Silent Night EP (seasonal, 2010); most recent regular release, Clementine And Other Stories (2006) See also:Merrie Amsterburg's site Comparisons:Musically I'd say the closest points of comparison would be Karen Peris (of Innocence Mission) and Wendy MaHarry, with a little bit of mellow Aimee Mann thrown in for good measure. (meth@smoe.org) Covers/own material:Own General comments:Merrie is my pick for the best new artist of 1997. (mcurry@io.com) Comments about live performance:Merrie Amsterburg and her guitarist, Peter Linton, are excellent live. (jeffw@smoe.org) Recommended first album:Season of Rain Recordings:
Season of RainRelease info:1996—Q Division Records; 2000—Zoe Records (re-release) Availability:See Q Division's bandcamp page for this album Ecto priority:Recommended Comments:The Zoe reissue of Season Of Rain, has three "bonus tracks" on it (all mercifully included on the "World Of Our Own Making" EP, so those of us who have had the original album forever don't have to shell out for an entire new one), all of which are well worth the wait. "Patchwork" is my favorite of the three. (meth@smoe.org) World Of Our Own MakingRelease info:1999—Q Division Records/Zoe Records Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended for fans Comments:The ep consists of "World Of Our Own Making", "Walking On The Moon" (Sting cover), "Patchwork", "No Tomorrow" (an otherwise unreleased demo), and "Say Goodbye" (recorded live on the Acoustic Cafe radio show) Little StepsRelease info:2000-1997—Q Division Records, 443 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, U.S.A. Availability:Unknown Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:merrie—6- & 12-string electric, acoustic & baritone guitars; mandolin, bouzouki, trumpet, idian banjo, harmonium, piano, organ, miscellaneous keyboards, vocals, washing machine Guest artists:paul bryan—bass, synth on different today, congas on design Produced by:mike denneen Comments:Merrie's back (finally)! This is very much along the same lines as Season Of Rain, with similar instrumentation (though her first album didn't have a washing machine on it that I know of ;). Merrie's voice is an instrument in itself. Her enunciation is such that the lyrics don't matter so much because you can't understand them half the time anyway. The result is a very pretty album, though. It doesn't stick with me like her first one did, but it's still growing on me. "Design" and "Undertow" are particular standout tracks. (meth@smoe.org) Clementine And Other StoriesRelease info:2006—Q Division Records—QDIV1033 Availability:See Q Division's bandcamp page for this album Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Merrie Amsterburg—vocals, bouzouki, baritone guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, syntheiszer, cornets, organ, bass organ, trumpet, electric piano, drum loop, storm loops, bell, bass VI Guest artists:Peter Linton—guitar, electric guitar, lap steel guitar, hand drum, snare, shaker, bellsbacking vocals Produced by:Merrie Amsterburg Comments:Merrie Amsterburg's versions of some classic folk songs are inventive and smart. The version of the evergreen "Clementine" takes the song back to its roots and exposes its sorrowful nature fully. She resembles Aimee Mann a lot here. "All the pretty horses" and "Wayfaring Stranger" get nice subdued readings and stand out also. Amsterburg's idea of an intimate, soft folk record is very pleasing to hear. (stjarnell@yahoo.com) We Three Kings / Silent NightRelease info:2010—Q-dee Records Availability:See Q Divisions' bandcamp page for this release Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Merrie Amsterburg—vocals, guitar Guest artists:Peter Linton—guitar, background vocals Comments:I love Merrie's fresh takes on two holiday classics. New arrangements, folk-rock energy, great fun! (JoAnn Whetsell) Thanks to Andrew Fries, Doug Mayowel, stjarnell@yahoo.com and JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
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