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MARJORIE FAIR
SELF HELP SERENADE
CAPITOL
Stars graphics

A sympathetic union of idyllic melodies à la classic Beach Boys and Pink Floyd’s atmospheric instrumentals, Marjorie Fair are masters of emotional four-minute thunderstorms that slowly reveal a sun-streaked lining. Already a critical hit in Great Britain, Self Help Serenade shivers and soars with its hushed drums, volatile guitars, and angelic vocals — the multi-tracked effect of New Jersey singer-songwriter Evan Slamka. Produced by pop master Rob Schnapf, the album mixes blustery rock squalls with soothing melodies and introspective lyrics. Taken out of context, or simply read aloud, those lyrics may appear to be sniffling rants about losers and loners. But when they’re set against elegant backdrops fleshed out by comforting keyboards and swirling guitars, you hardly notice. "I don’t feel love, I don’t know how," Slamka sings after the chiming climax of "Stand in the World." Somehow, it’s hard to believe that.

Marjorie Fair + Stand | T.T. the Bear’s Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge | Sept 22 | 617.492.BEAR

BY KEN MICALLEF


Issue Date: September 9 - 15, 2005
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