Cortney Tidwell

Don't Let Stars Keep Us Tangled Up

2007-04-01

On "Don't Let Stars Keep Us Tangled Up", Cortney Tidwell displays delicate growlings reminiscent of Bjork, the sweeping grandiosity of Sigur Ros, pop sensibilities similar to Guster, and the trip hop style of Portishead. Her voice sounds to me like what Joanna Newsom might sound like if she dropped the Appalachian affectation. Fans of Tonya Donelly's 90's alternative band, Belly, will hear lots to love on this album, and should take special note of track 2. Cortney Tidwell is from Nashville, daughter of Connie Eaton, a minor '70s country star but there's no country (that I can discern) to her vocals. There are some twangy guitar sounds present, though they take a back seat to the dreamy electronic layers. "La La" (track 5) makes me think of a Karen Carpenter song. Look for it in commercials, soon, I'll betcha. Lambchop's Kurt Wagner adds vocals to "Society" (track 8). Light pops like those from a vinyl record or from electronic plug-ins drape over the entire album. Haunting, and eerie are words that other reviewers have clung to, and they fit truly. I listened to this album many many times trying to put what I'm hearing into words. I don't have the words, but I enjoyed each listen. A very strong album. Beautiful. Masterful. This ethereal, singer-songwriter is going to make an excellent opener to Andrew Bird's April 11th show at the Ladies Lit. (Olive)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Neil Young
    Living With War

  • reviewed 09/2015

    Moke Hill
    Time Stops Moving

  • reviewed 12/2009

    JON TROAST
    Living Room

  • reviewed 12/1969

    THE ZOSO SISTERS
    Adieu False Heart

  • reviewed 05/2008

    Railroad Earth
    Amen Corner

  • reviewed 12/2006

    SWEET WEDNESDAY
    Wherever You Go

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.