Eveningland

Played in the background, Hem's music generates an afirming but soulful mood, but to be fully appreciated, it is music that must be listened to closely. When you focus on these peaceful, soothing tracks, it's like studying a painting, or reading a book. Each of us will get something different out of the effort, but its quality remains undeniable and its spirit presents itself as timeless. Yes, there is a classic, folksy, southern charm to these tunes, but the music is still appealing to everyone. Buy this album.

...if folks are at all disappointed by the second. Unlike some of the earlier reviewers I actually bought the CD after hearing their version of "Jackson" on the radio & then found a whole bunch of additionl stuff that I liked. This is one of those CDs that has lived in the changer since it got here, my 12 year old daughter has already memorized big chiunks of songs to sing along, and I am definitely looking for more of their stuff in future. What can one say? Great lead vocals, nice arrangements, good lyrics, go get it.

I must admit, my first reaction to Eveningland was quite similar to the reviewer below - what I heard at first was, most certainly, not the Hem that I had fallen in love with on Rabbit Songs, and I wondered what had happened to the band I knew so well. What? An orchestra? Drums?? It didn't take too many listens, though, to begin to hear what I'm now convinced is one of the most exciting albums of the year. The songwriting is utterly beautiful and filled with a cautious hope, and Sally's voice is, to my ears, measurably stronger and more exciting than on their debut. I don't hear her "covering" anything up, but hear her exploring new territory with real confidence. And I freely confess, it's not that the arrangements never come off as a little odd, but rather that I've quickly learned how rewarding it is to follow Hem to whatever new places they go on Eveningland, odd or not.

This is a rare kind of record: one that sets a bold and beautiful course, and I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. Hem have something really special here.

And PS: Tracks 9 and 16 are indeed thematically linked, but I see nothing wrong in that (and neither have countless composers who have come before). It's cool, actually, in that it weaves a recognizable thread into the fabric of the album as a whole.