Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge
When I started to listen to Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge, I thought “Oh, folk rock, how… er… nice.” Not that I have anything against folk rock, but… Then the beat kicked in. Forty minutes later, I was still dancing in my seat. This music rocks! The lyrics are good poetry about love, sex and strong women. There are some out of the ordinary instruments used on this album, such as a glockenspiel. I like different; it makes my senses perk up. For me, music works if it sweeps me away on a river current of feeling. This album does that. The social statement isn't such a strong one, not so much the words anyway, but in there is so much raw emotion in their voices and music.
I had one problem with this album, the title. I expected a dark side. If someone wants revenge, she is in pain. The fact that the music was consistently beautiful bothered me. I think the feelings expressed are real; the words are honest; and passionate love is oh-so expressed (and not X-rated, good for them!), but there is no real anger expressed. The pain isn’t there. Maybe I need to listen to the album a few more times. I know the sounds and the beats linger in my mind, which is a sign the album had its way with me.
I hope the Pierces survive. They are brilliant musicians. I’d like to see them grow, and I’d like to see what else they create down the line.
Written by: Patricia Ethelwyn Lang, March 29th 2007
You want dark? Listen again. "Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead"?! Hell, one of the songs actually has a them chanting what sounds like some kind of "spell"!? Before your next review, you may want to do you homework a little more. Brilliant record. Beautiful interesting songs. Title fits perfectly.
I agree that this album is wonderful, but I think you missed the mark completely calling The Pierces 'folk rock'. That doesn't begin to describe the entirety of their music, which has a fluidity that ranges from jazz to blues to Top 40 to pop to R&B. The Pierces are theatrical and sardonic, making fun of traditional cheesy "you love me then leave me and my heart is broken" lyrics. I had to grin when I heard "Ruin," which is directed to an ex-lover telling him "I want you to come to ruin" in the sweetest way that pop divas plead for their ex to return. And the loungey ode to Billie (presumably, Holiday) had me tappin' my foot and singing along within the first 10 seconds... a feat that is, I assure you, very difficult to achieve. Okay, so I'm sure you get it. I really enjoy this album.And this review was so blah that I just had to spice it up to do The Pierces justice.
I've loved The Pierces since their self-titled album appeared in 2000. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see them reviewed here. These sisters are here to stay! Get all 3 albums. You won't regret it.