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TyronneAbby Travis - "Glitter Mouth"
March 27th 2008 23:00
Hello Music Lovers
*I just wanted to let people know I am resubmitting this article based on incorrect information about the band line-up I had added in my earlier article. I am deeply sorry for any misinformation, and I will definitely check sources and facts before writing anymore music news, as I do wish to be taken seriously as a music reviewer/journalist. Please understand this is not a mistake I normally make as I am deeply passionate about what I do and the artists I am helping to promote. Abby Travis herself has been very understanding and gracious over the matter, true to her lovely nature.*
Hello, I'm Michael Holloway, a South Australian postgraduate student writing a thesis about inspirational women in music, and the general theme of music as a magical power. Once I'm finished, I'm eager to find a career in music reviewing and writing articles about music for newspapers/magazines/online publications.
Besides posting news about forthcoming albums from my favourite artists, I will also be posting reviews of albums that may have been released for quite a while now, but they are still quite fresh and relevant to discuss - especially when you're trying to promote a favourite artist to any potential new fans. I would like to take a nostalgic look back at Glitter Mouth, the third album by Abby Travis, which was released in 2006.
Here are Abby's official website and MySpace:
Your text goes here
Your text goes here
First, a little background information on Abby and how I came to be a fan. I have been a huge fan of The Bangles for a good many years and was ecstatic when back in 2005 I heard they were coming to Australia for a concert (which they did in November of that year).
A few months earlier, however, one of the four founding members left the band and is now considered "retired". The departed party was Michael Steele, the original Bangles bass guitarist and one quarter of the vocal contingent - remember The Bangles never actually had a "lead singer", all four band members performed lead vocals on various songs. Between Michael's leaving and the concert (which was my first ever concert experience, and needless to say I LOVED every moment of it), the other three Bangles hired a talented bass guitarist/songwriter/vocalist named Abby Travis as a part-time Bangle originally, but over time, fans have now come to accept Abby as Michael's "replacement" for the interim.
Abby already had somewhat of a following, performing in nightclubs and lounges, and thus had a wide fanbase. With her distinctive sultry voice and "Golden Age Of Hollywood" looks, indeed Abby has been said to look like a classic screen siren akin to Hedy Lamarr and to sound like Marlene Dietrich mixed with a little Peggy Lee. Abby has a unique quality and at the same time as she looks and sounds like she belongs in a 1940s MGM musical, she has enough of her own distinctiveness to be quite unlike anyone else really.
2005 was a busy year for Abby as she not only toured with The Bangles and still works with them on occasion, but she also worked with Kathy Valentine (of The Go-Go's and The Delphines) on Kathy's solo music endeavours, including her brilliant debut solo album Light Years.
However, even before that, Abby had already released two solo albums, The Abby Travis Foundation (1997) and Cut Throat Standards And Black Pop (2000).
Eventually, I plan to review those as well.
However, I was overwhelmed with the beauty and power of Abby's latest release, Glitter Mouth from 2006, so here for your reading pleasure is my review of Abby's latest album (and certainly - hopefully - not her last).
***************************** ***************************** ***************************** ****************
Abby Travis' new album Glitter Mouth is a beautiful and intriguing collection of mostly original songs by an artist who effortlessly combines new wave rock with the classic sensibilities of a Classical Hollywood chanteuse.
Even with a cover of The Shangri-La's Past, Present, and Future, and an updated version of Abby's own So Far Away from her previous album Cut Throat Standards And Black Pop, Abby serves up a delectable blend of spicy yet sweet, bold but breathtaking, and does it all with her uniquely haunting vocals.
Abby seems to channel the sultry and evocative Marlene Dietrich, but does so in her own inimitable style. Abby has the uncanny ability to turn even the most complicated sounding lyric into a seamless and fluid vocalisation.
For example, "I'm not condoning such whining and moaning, but still you gotta wonder sometimes when solitude's your only friend..." from the album's first track Now Was might just tongue-tie a less skillful vocalist, but Abby performs the line brilliantly and infuses the song with such poignancy and heartfelt honesty, and avoids sounding self-piteous because of the supreme intelligence of the lyrics.
Grace combines a serene main vocal with a more upbeat backing vocal which blends perfectly with the song, but Blythe is the most sparkling diamond on an album laden with gems.
"Yet my love for you will never fade, like these past couple of months and the memories of mistakes we made, and my love for you will never fade, you took me somewhere where I wouldn't have dared, you saved me babe..." is a soaring refrain which would give even the stoniest heart a much needed jolt.
It's impossible to listen to Abby Travis without feeling some emotion. Hunger is a sultry song to start with, but turns into a fantastic rocker with the main chorus taking on a life all it's own. The guitars and bass lines make the surging energy of the song with its "insatiable thrust of the driest lusts' gale..." truly scorching.
Shoot For The Stars is a delightful "oom-pa-pa" flavoured song which will have you dancing or at least moving somehow - it's impossible to listen to this song and stay still. The groove just takes you on a Red Shoes inspired dance (for those of you familiar with the famous ballet) that will leave you wanting more.
La Petite Mort is another gem that sustains you with its love and a stunningly new wave musical composition that would work alone as a fantastic instrumental piece, but is thankfully blessed with Abby's divine vocal. Chase Me and Roberto are also beautiful ballads, but there is something special about La Petite Mort that makes it truly sublime.
Past, Present, And Future is a lovely and poetic spoken verse song that, if I hadn't already known it was a Shangri-La's song, I would have sworn it had come from Abby's own soul as she gives it a personal resonance that you don't often hear in covers, no matter how good they are.
However, when Abby achingly says to a former love "just don't try and touch me, because that will never happen again..." you can feel the pain and longing of a relationship now over, wanting more, but knowing that it is time to move on.
While I admittedly prefer Abby's So Far Away as it appeared on her previous album, the new version is quite compelling too, even with the uptempo sound and sound effects that might not give the newer version an instantly emotional appeal as the earlier version, but it's still pleasing.
For anyone who loves beautiful music with an edge, Abby Travis' Glitter Mouth will leave you with a desire for more, and a spirit lifted into the realms of the ethereal. Just try listening to the album and not feeling cleansed by its beauty, it isn't possible.
*It's also important to note that not only is Abby Travis talented and beautiful, but she is also very generous and friendly with fans, which I discovered to my delight in a recent chat session which Abby conducted on her website.
*Also, check out Abby's brand new single available to buy online as a download. Lies also features rhythm guitarist Susanna Hoffs, lead guitarist Vicki Peterson, and drummer Debbi Peterson from The Bangles performing backing vocals. Abby wrote "Lies", plays bass and performs lead vocals. Abby's own keyboard player Kristian Hoffman also hops on board for the new single.
Here are the correct credits for the instrumentals:
Abby Travis: Lead vocals, bass, back up vocals
Dave Bongiovanni: Guitar
Kristian Hoffman: Keyboards
Rey Washam : Drums
Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson: Additional vocals
Lies deals with the frustration regarding the current US government's gross mishandling of many important recent events, and the continuing deceit and corruption in the Bush administration.
According to TheBangles.com website...
Your text goes here
Your text goes here
****All of the artist's proceeds from the 'Lies' download will be donated to The New Orleans Musician's Relief Fund, Inc. The Fund was started by displaced musicians post-Katrina, and grant recipients are spread throughout the country. After the levee break, thousands of musicians lost instruments, gear, home studios, merchandise and their homes, and the grass roots charity provides them with direct financial assistance. Along with grants, NOMRF has offered housing, furniture, instruments and transportation. ****
Cheers, Michael
*I just wanted to let people know I am resubmitting this article based on incorrect information about the band line-up I had added in my earlier article. I am deeply sorry for any misinformation, and I will definitely check sources and facts before writing anymore music news, as I do wish to be taken seriously as a music reviewer/journalist. Please understand this is not a mistake I normally make as I am deeply passionate about what I do and the artists I am helping to promote. Abby Travis herself has been very understanding and gracious over the matter, true to her lovely nature.*
Hello, I'm Michael Holloway, a South Australian postgraduate student writing a thesis about inspirational women in music, and the general theme of music as a magical power. Once I'm finished, I'm eager to find a career in music reviewing and writing articles about music for newspapers/magazines/online publications.
Besides posting news about forthcoming albums from my favourite artists, I will also be posting reviews of albums that may have been released for quite a while now, but they are still quite fresh and relevant to discuss - especially when you're trying to promote a favourite artist to any potential new fans. I would like to take a nostalgic look back at Glitter Mouth, the third album by Abby Travis, which was released in 2006.
Here are Abby's official website and MySpace:
Your text goes here
Your text goes here
First, a little background information on Abby and how I came to be a fan. I have been a huge fan of The Bangles for a good many years and was ecstatic when back in 2005 I heard they were coming to Australia for a concert (which they did in November of that year).
A few months earlier, however, one of the four founding members left the band and is now considered "retired". The departed party was Michael Steele, the original Bangles bass guitarist and one quarter of the vocal contingent - remember The Bangles never actually had a "lead singer", all four band members performed lead vocals on various songs. Between Michael's leaving and the concert (which was my first ever concert experience, and needless to say I LOVED every moment of it), the other three Bangles hired a talented bass guitarist/songwriter/vocalist named Abby Travis as a part-time Bangle originally, but over time, fans have now come to accept Abby as Michael's "replacement" for the interim.
Abby already had somewhat of a following, performing in nightclubs and lounges, and thus had a wide fanbase. With her distinctive sultry voice and "Golden Age Of Hollywood" looks, indeed Abby has been said to look like a classic screen siren akin to Hedy Lamarr and to sound like Marlene Dietrich mixed with a little Peggy Lee. Abby has a unique quality and at the same time as she looks and sounds like she belongs in a 1940s MGM musical, she has enough of her own distinctiveness to be quite unlike anyone else really.
2005 was a busy year for Abby as she not only toured with The Bangles and still works with them on occasion, but she also worked with Kathy Valentine (of The Go-Go's and The Delphines) on Kathy's solo music endeavours, including her brilliant debut solo album Light Years.
However, even before that, Abby had already released two solo albums, The Abby Travis Foundation (1997) and Cut Throat Standards And Black Pop (2000).
Eventually, I plan to review those as well.
"The Abby Travis Foundation
"Cut Throat Standards And Black Pop
However, I was overwhelmed with the beauty and power of Abby's latest release, Glitter Mouth from 2006, so here for your reading pleasure is my review of Abby's latest album (and certainly - hopefully - not her last).
***************************** ***************************** ***************************** ****************
"Glitter Mouth
Abby Travis' new album Glitter Mouth is a beautiful and intriguing collection of mostly original songs by an artist who effortlessly combines new wave rock with the classic sensibilities of a Classical Hollywood chanteuse.
Even with a cover of The Shangri-La's Past, Present, and Future, and an updated version of Abby's own So Far Away from her previous album Cut Throat Standards And Black Pop, Abby serves up a delectable blend of spicy yet sweet, bold but breathtaking, and does it all with her uniquely haunting vocals.
Abby seems to channel the sultry and evocative Marlene Dietrich, but does so in her own inimitable style. Abby has the uncanny ability to turn even the most complicated sounding lyric into a seamless and fluid vocalisation.
For example, "I'm not condoning such whining and moaning, but still you gotta wonder sometimes when solitude's your only friend..." from the album's first track Now Was might just tongue-tie a less skillful vocalist, but Abby performs the line brilliantly and infuses the song with such poignancy and heartfelt honesty, and avoids sounding self-piteous because of the supreme intelligence of the lyrics.
Grace combines a serene main vocal with a more upbeat backing vocal which blends perfectly with the song, but Blythe is the most sparkling diamond on an album laden with gems.
"Yet my love for you will never fade, like these past couple of months and the memories of mistakes we made, and my love for you will never fade, you took me somewhere where I wouldn't have dared, you saved me babe..." is a soaring refrain which would give even the stoniest heart a much needed jolt.
It's impossible to listen to Abby Travis without feeling some emotion. Hunger is a sultry song to start with, but turns into a fantastic rocker with the main chorus taking on a life all it's own. The guitars and bass lines make the surging energy of the song with its "insatiable thrust of the driest lusts' gale..." truly scorching.
Shoot For The Stars is a delightful "oom-pa-pa" flavoured song which will have you dancing or at least moving somehow - it's impossible to listen to this song and stay still. The groove just takes you on a Red Shoes inspired dance (for those of you familiar with the famous ballet) that will leave you wanting more.
La Petite Mort is another gem that sustains you with its love and a stunningly new wave musical composition that would work alone as a fantastic instrumental piece, but is thankfully blessed with Abby's divine vocal. Chase Me and Roberto are also beautiful ballads, but there is something special about La Petite Mort that makes it truly sublime.
Past, Present, And Future is a lovely and poetic spoken verse song that, if I hadn't already known it was a Shangri-La's song, I would have sworn it had come from Abby's own soul as she gives it a personal resonance that you don't often hear in covers, no matter how good they are.
However, when Abby achingly says to a former love "just don't try and touch me, because that will never happen again..." you can feel the pain and longing of a relationship now over, wanting more, but knowing that it is time to move on.
While I admittedly prefer Abby's So Far Away as it appeared on her previous album, the new version is quite compelling too, even with the uptempo sound and sound effects that might not give the newer version an instantly emotional appeal as the earlier version, but it's still pleasing.
For anyone who loves beautiful music with an edge, Abby Travis' Glitter Mouth will leave you with a desire for more, and a spirit lifted into the realms of the ethereal. Just try listening to the album and not feeling cleansed by its beauty, it isn't possible.
*It's also important to note that not only is Abby Travis talented and beautiful, but she is also very generous and friendly with fans, which I discovered to my delight in a recent chat session which Abby conducted on her website.
*Also, check out Abby's brand new single available to buy online as a download. Lies also features rhythm guitarist Susanna Hoffs, lead guitarist Vicki Peterson, and drummer Debbi Peterson from The Bangles performing backing vocals. Abby wrote "Lies", plays bass and performs lead vocals. Abby's own keyboard player Kristian Hoffman also hops on board for the new single.
Here are the correct credits for the instrumentals:
Abby Travis: Lead vocals, bass, back up vocals
Dave Bongiovanni: Guitar
Kristian Hoffman: Keyboards
Rey Washam : Drums
Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson: Additional vocals
Lies deals with the frustration regarding the current US government's gross mishandling of many important recent events, and the continuing deceit and corruption in the Bush administration.
According to TheBangles.com website...
Your text goes here
Your text goes here
****All of the artist's proceeds from the 'Lies' download will be donated to The New Orleans Musician's Relief Fund, Inc. The Fund was started by displaced musicians post-Katrina, and grant recipients are spread throughout the country. After the levee break, thousands of musicians lost instruments, gear, home studios, merchandise and their homes, and the grass roots charity provides them with direct financial assistance. Along with grants, NOMRF has offered housing, furniture, instruments and transportation. ****
Cheers, Michael
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