Little Lights

Artist: Kate Rusby
Label: Compass Records
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1

UPC: 766397431024
EAN: 0766397431024
ASIN: B00005J6WV

Release Date: 2001-06-12

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British Folk

| Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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| Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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Celtic

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Listmania:

Music of substance
Music to get me through these rainy nights
Essential Kate Rusby
Underneath the Stars - the best of Kate
Essential Kate Rusby!
An Introduction to Kate Rusby
The Essential Kate Rusby
Ani Difranco on one end Kate Rusby on the other end of Folk
English Folk
Insightful music that deserves a good listen...

Tracks:

Playing Of Ball
I Courted A Sailor
Withered And Died
Merry Green Broom
Let The Cold Wind Blow
Canaan's Land
Some Tyrant
William And Davy
Who Will Sing Me Lullabies
Matt Hyland
My Young Man

Similar Items:

Underneath the Stars
Sleepless
Ten
The Girl Who Couldn't Fly
Hourglass

Customer Reviews:

Rusby's Little Lights.......2007-01-09

My wife and I first heard a song off this CD on NPR, I think it was the back porch show. Immediately, my wife fell in love, and I admit I too was a bit intrigued by Rusby's folky, almost Irish sound. So, I purchased the CD as a christmas present for my wife and neither of us were dissapointed; the rest of the songs were just as enjoyable as the few we heard on NPR.

Not her best (but she still has it!).......2004-05-09

For what it's worth, I do know someone who loves this cd, though I have always found it to be the weakest of her lot, not because of her, or the production, (which is a notch cleaner than on her previous two releases) but because of the repertoire, which others have noted to be relatively bland. There are about four "classic" tracks on it that I am glad to have, but for an artist that usually puts out more like eight of those in an album this is something of a disappointment. The others, while quite listenable, are also easily forgettable.

While Kate's own songwriting has never been her main product--as a traditionalist, she would mark it a triumph if you couldn't pick her own out--her own do fall among both camps on this album, that is, the forgettables and the classics. On later albums, they will more often be among the best. The reviews that are suggesting this album marks her expiration date are obviously not taking into account the magnificent "10" and "Under the Stars" which have followed. If you're a newbie to Kate, get those, (in that order), and after that if you're really addicted, this album will fall on pretty much equal footing with the first two, Hourglass and Sleepless, since about half of each is reprised and improved on "10".

they all sound the same.......2004-02-03

I'm afraid I must agree with Sukeydebby's review of Little Lights. All the songs end up sounding the same. Lovely, yes, but Kate really needs to try some new arrangements or select (or write) more upbeat songs. I wonder if it's her producer, or her choice of arrangements that is to blame. (Compare Andy M. Stewart's superior version of "Matt Hyland", for one.) She needs to develop. Again, don't get me wrong, I love her voice, and the songs taken one at a time are fine. It's just that listening to the entire album in one sitting leaves you frustrated, and, frankly, a bit bored. She can do much better than this, I think.

Law of diminishing returns?.......2004-01-01

Can I just make something very clear, without sounding pedantic or parochial? : Kate Rusby is NOT Scottish, she's from Yorkshire, which is in Northern England. It's not something that makes a big difference to the rest of the world, but it makes a big difference to those of us in Yorkshire. Or those in Scotland. How would you like it if I called you Canadian because you live north of New York? Well, then, stop it.

Rant over. About the record:

Little Lights takes a little longer to get into than her previous two albums.

The voice is still beautiful, if a little weary-sounding. Much of the material is strong - if a bit samey on first few listenings - but a few of the arrangements are a little hard to stomach. "Withered and Died" (by Richard Thompson) is particularly over-egged, with twee backing vocals from Eddi Reader (ex-Fairground Attraction, don'tcha know?!).

There is also an argument that (Kate's own) "My Young Man" is the most emotionally manipulative song ever written. It's about her grandfather's death from mining-related emphysema. It begins a capella and then two verses in... the Grimethorpe colliery band strike up. It's a little hard to take... But it works. It gets a reaction. But there's something a bit, well, a bit Spielberg about it.

And really I could do without the "cute", "comedy" version of "The Big Ship Sails" that's tacked on at the end of the album.

Rusby possibly needs to shake things up. Possibly get in a new producer she's not so cosily familiar with, sing a few songs in a different tempo. But these are niggles. "Little Lights" is still a good album, it's just that if you own "Hourglass" or "Sleepless" you are more likely to play those CDs all the way through and cherry-pick the highlights from this one.

Lovely.......2003-05-16

This album is gorgeous! I borrowed it from my local library, and on hearing it, got myself a copy as soon as I could.
Rusby's voice is a delight. Sweet and mellow, emotive, backed by some brilliant instrumental work, this album encompasses many moods. My favourites are the sadders songs, which are truly heart string pullers: "Withered and Died", "Who will sing me lullabies" and "My Young Man" are tear jerking mini masterpieces, especially the latter, which is sung partially without backing. A secret track at the end of the album is a family performance of "The Big Ship Sails" and is very endearing. "William and Davy" is another highlight, a bitter sweet, funny story-song. All tracks are highly singable (an important factor) and this CD is most definately a worthwhile buy.

Music CD:

Music CD

Music CD

Music CD

Billy X: Solo Set ~ Billy X. Curmano

Into Glory Ride ~ Manowar

Promised Land ~ Ferrigno Leal Kuprij

Il Meglio Di Orietta V.1 ~ Orietta Berti

In Tour ~ Daniele, De Gregori, Mannoia, Ron

Perola Negra ~ Jovelina Perola Negra

Live Paris: Ziguinchor ~ Toure Kunda

Koi Aura: Mimimakimukune ~ Taku Oozeki, Kisslivly Friends

Pokemon Theme ~ Various Artists

Hush ~ Jane Siberry