Michelle Anthony "Stand Fall Repeat" (Burn & Shiver Records 2005)

Debut From Jay Bennett-Produced Songstress Gets UK Release

Already superseded by fresher material, Michelle Anthony's debut 'Stand Fall Repeat' earns a UK release two year's after the fact. With Wilco founder and 'I Am Trying To Break Your Heart' star Jay Bennett on the mixing desk, few will find too much wrong with this record which shines from note one. Fans of Alison Moorer, Kathleen Edwards and Sheryl Crow will find succour here, Anthony another of the big voice-winning smile brigade.

Highlights of the record include the opener 'Mourning Song' which borrows a chord progression from Spain's best song but kicks it into fresh territory and 'Ivy Rider' which has a killer chorus tailor-made for Anthony's strong voice. However weaker songs, including 'Analog Feeling' which sounds like one of Crow's worst 'rock' moments, and 'Today' which is a mediocre ballad accompanied only by Bennett on piano. It's a good debut but it may be worth waiting for fresher material to make its way onto the UK high street.

Date review added:  Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Reviewer:  Nic Fildes
Reviewers Rating:
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