Mel Parsons
Wed 8 Apr 2009
Mel Parsons- Over My Shoulder
8/10
Delivered with a slight southern twang that only the most observant listener will pick up, Mel Parsons mixes alt-country with contemporary folk music, musing about life and reminiscing on her colourful past. Growing up on a farm on the remote West Coast of New Zealand, often isolated from many of the big city luxuries, Parsons knows what it’s like to be part of a small, tight knit community. She sheds some of that past in her songs. Parsons’ unique style of song writing sees the listener calmly looking over her shoulder, observing life from her point of view like a stranger peering through a half open window. Her songs at times are so autobiographic that you can feel the emotion, opening new doors and taking you on a passionate journey. Over My Shoulder slowly becomes more gripping and beautiful with each track. Opener ‘Still Life’ is deeply rooted in southern country music, with Parsons’ voice the centre of attention and is instantly appealing to fans of Jolie Holland or The Be Good Tanyas. ‘It’s Been Good’ brings the album to life, with a notably joyous chorus that’s very catchy. The tempo then slides into a muddy caricature as the album deepens and the songs take on a beautiful natural quality. ‘On Your Grave’ sees Parsons joined by local music legend Don McGlashan, who helps turn the song into a teary-eyed emotional eulogy, paying tribute to Parsons’ former partner who was tragically killed in a car accident. Locked together through pure emotional heartbreak and wonderfully vibrant imagery, Over My Shoulder is simply beautiful. Parsons spills her past in these songs, which work in a kind of brave but tortured way.
Nick
April 14th, 2009 at 12:56 am
I must question your critique here Nick. This album is not worthy of 8/10 in my humble opinion. I actually went out and purchased this album on the strength of your review, and am sorry to say its nothing special at all, in fact its just plain bland. Sure, Mel has some talent, but she has a long way to go.
In general, your reviews just don’t make any sense to me. You give a bland album like this a 8/10, but the Mint Chicks album gets a 6/10, and you’ve given Rhian Sheehan’s new masterpiece a 4/10!
Good on you for trying Nick and Sarah, but this really is amateur stuff guys. I certainly wont be making any purchasing decisions based on your reviews in the future.