Merrie Amsterburg “Clementine and Other Stories” (QDivision, 2006)

Big in Boston

Merrie Amsterburg has won numerous awards including two Boston music, one Boston Phoenix for best music poll and the Jam magazine artist of the year. She’s also been listed in the top ten album choices of various Boston papers for her previous two albums. So big in Boston then.

Having toured with Aimee Mann, Patty Larkin and Paula Cole she’s slowly been earning her stripes.

Her music has been described as folk, pop and contemporary. I think it's all three plus something else. Contemporary folky pop plus, if you like.

‘Clementine and Other Stories’ are her interpretation of historical traditional American folk songs done her way. You’ll know all the songs here ‘(Oh my darling) Clementine’ (obviously), ‘Shenandoah’, ‘When Johnny Come Marching Home’, ‘Down in the Valley’, ‘All the Pretty Horses’ and ‘Lakes of Pontchartrain’ are amongst the 11 covers.

Her versions of the stories about soldiers, slaves, immigrants, natives and labourers are far removed from the “originals” – if such things exist.

Her style is laid back and reflective. Her voice is ideally suited to these types of songs and she performs them all admirably. She wondered “what voice the song had, and what voice I could bring to the songs” wanting to get people to look at the familiar in a different way. I think she’s succeeded. I didn’t rate previous versions of ‘Clementine’ before. I do now.

Ranging from solo performances to full band versions this album works.

Date review added:  Friday, September 08, 2006
Reviewer:  Phil Edwards
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Merrie Amsterburg