Desire Avenue

I'm rather taken by this woman at the moment. Maybe it's because Tori Amos is pumping out boring epics, Kate Bush is off on another bloody hiatus, or that Charlotte is actually bloody good! I think it's the latter, though Tori Amos has probably lost me for good now when it comes to her new work. Kate is always welcome though...

Anyway, Charlotte is a self confessed Kate fanatic, and the album On Your Shore reflects a woman who has been majorly influenced by her. I bought it on a whim in a second hand music store for $3, and I adore it.

The thumping Limits Of Our Love is awesome, recalling Kate at her Hounds Of Love era. Your Armour is the sort of song Tori would probably sell her kidneys for (if she's still got them that is hahaha). And to top it all off the hidden track is a gorgoeus solo piano rendition of Wild Horses, a song that has been covered far better than the croaky old Stones original too many times to count now.

I don't have her second album yet, Stromata, which apparently explores an even darker side akin to Tori's Choirgirl era, which to me sounds very very good.

Once you get beyond the Tori/Kate similarities there is actually a seriously exceptional artist here...



www.charlottemartin.com

Enjoy!

Charlotte is a big favourite with a lot of Tori fans I know online actually, I've checked out quite a few of her tracks - I don't really see the Tori comparisons to be honest, but I liked what I heard. She has a beautiful voice and is obviously a sophisticated musician. I just didn't connect with the writing I'm afraid, which is the most important aspect of a songwriter, for me.

Just been listening to 'Elderly woman.....' on her website and at times I can hear a little bit of Tori coming through on some of the phrasing. I enjoyed it and she's got a great voice but unfortunately i just feel that i've heard all this before. Charlotte also reminds me of Sarah McLachlan,who was writing those kind of songs 10 or 15 years ago.
I'll check out more of Charlotte's songs though.

How cute is the kitten in that video! OMG, I want it.

Stromata is a million times better than On Your Shore. At least in my opinion. Far fewer throwaway songs.