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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Review: She Swings, She Sways - Wasted Love Songs


She Swings, She Sways - Wasted Love Songs
2008, Authentic Records


From the home of Radar O’Reilly, Ottumwa, Iowa, comes She Swings, She Sways, an interesting Americana sextet you need to know a little more about. She Swings, She Sways has a very homey feel, like music you might play with friends sitting around a kitchen table on a Saturday night. It’s that at home feel that lends much of the charm to the band’s full length debut, Wasted Love Songs. Each band member contributed to the subject matter here. Stories of love lost or unrequited in the voice of Midwest sensibility and caution reach a crescendo of melancholy that approaches beauty. She Swings, She Sways tells their stories.

She Swings, She Sways has an easy on the ears, somewhat melancholy Americana sound that will set you at ease right off the bat. What I Wouldn't Do, the opening track, is one of the peppier tracks on Wasted Love Songs. This is a song with commercial potential even in spite of the traditional acoustic instrumentation. It's the sort of song that shows up in movie and television soundtracks. Don't be surprised if this song gets heavily licensed. Evelyn's Green is a lilting ballad with a gorgeous melody and a tactful send of lyric imagery. She Swings, She Sways comes off sounding like a cross between Jason Plumb and Toad The Wet Sprocket.

He Loves Me is an upbeat country duet between Cory Canny and Diana Garles. The low key vocals counter the emotional tension that runs through the song, and the Simon and Garfunkel-esque harmonies make for a sweet if slightly surreal sound. You Stole My Heart is pure sweet country balladeering. Other highlights include Highway, Sing To Me and Even So.

She Swings, She Sways has a very mellow, easy-going approach to their music that fans will find refreshing. Strong songwriting, outstanding musicianship and a knack for great hooks make Wasted Love Songs a sonic treat! This is a fine recording that deserves much attention.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about She Swings, She Sways at http://www.sheswingsshesways.com/, where you can purchase a copy of Wasted Love Songs.

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