LARA EWEN AND THE UNSTRUNG ORCHESTRA

Ghosts and Gasoline

2007-09-12

Lara Ewen and the Unstrung Orchestra's debut album, Ghosts and Gasoline, leaves behind the lingering scent of "perfume, cigarettes and booze." Ewen's 11 believable tales are complemented by a sliding and sultry acoustic guitar, and the result is a ruggedly tender trip to heartache. From "The Airport Song" to "Manhattan to Kansas" (by train) to "A Way to You" via automobile. She even takes a stab at time travel in "20 Years Ago." Ewen is at her best in the autobiographical "Clear," as a woman who is struggling for perspective, who at times "got all hunched over with those American dreams." Despite her reliance on a few lyrical cliches, Ewen's impassioned treks really satisfy, and it would appear that this Manhattan mermaid has found a home. Track 6 "Clear" contains "shit."

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 09/2004

    Fairport Convention
    Over the Next Hill

  • reviewed 02/2006

    THE LITTLE WILLIES
    The Little Willies

  • reviewed 10/2006

    SARAH MCLACHLAN
    Mirrorball (The Complete Concert)

  • reviewed 07/2007

    HACKENSAW BOYS
    Look Out

  • reviewed 03/2011

    CAHALEN MORRISON & ELI WEST
    THE HOLY COMING OF THE STORM

  • reviewed 03/2017

    Wyatt Easterling
    Divining Rod

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.