Customer Reviews

I'm a Mountain

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sarah Harmer is truely one of Canada's greatest assets. I can hardly believe that as Canadians we choose to support with such lacklustre effort those individuals with talent. Sarah's latest album I'm a Mountain just goes to show that there is talent going to waste. While CD's are digested in mass quantities supporting the newest U.S. corporate sponsored hit of the minute, you have folks like Sarah Harmer and her talents going somewhat ignored.

That being said, it is impossible for me to ignore the brilliance of this album. I was hooked from the first track to the last. I have always held Sarah's songs and albums in high regard, but this only goes further in cementing my support for this artist. It takes courage to grow your music, to change your styles, and to be experimental. Sarah has managed all of the above in her newest release, but don't be afraid. This album still contains everything that you have come to love from Sarah, and will satify beyond your wildest imagination.

Five out of five, ten out of ten, 100% whichever way you choose to slice it. I'm even listening now.

If Harmer's recording career is a cookbook then this chapter has my favorite recipies. Climb a Mountain is lyrically intriguing, chock full of sensitive and thoughtful musicianship, and, of course, front and centre is Sarah's always compelling voice and turns of musical phrase. Another beauty from the siren of Lowville.

Die-hards waiting for a new SH release won't be disappointed. Here we have an album that goes back to her style in "Songs for Clem," which I personally feel is her best album to date. These are two albums in which it feels that Sarah is being most true to her music rather than to pop charts or sales. I suppose one could say that her other two albums, "You Were Here" and "All of Our Names" continue in the vein of Weeping Tile, but to me they seemed a bit too synthetic (although still unquestionable favourites of mine). This album feels like Sarah is really putting herself out there by turning her back on the sound that made her a pop hit and going for a sound much closer to heart (hers).

Sure to be a selling point for fans, Sarah has finally released tracks previously only heard at live performances: "Oleander" and "I'm a Mountain." There is also again a remake of a Weeping Tile track, this time "Goin' Out" (which was one of my favourite songs of theirs anyway so I don't mind). Having 3 familiar tracks in a row does make this album feel a bit like retread initially but with a few more listens even old fans will find something new. And there are many other beautiful new tracks to enjoy, including a cover of Dolly Parton's bluegrassy "Will He be Waiting for Me?" which of course can't be compared to Dolly's sweetness but still shines in a way that only Sarah can, which is why we all love her so much.

To me this album is everything I was hoping for. Not quite as good as "Songs for Clem" but a sound that I have been missing through Sarah's last two albums.

If you are a new fan of Sarah's introduced to her music by "You Were Here" or "All of Our Names" and you find this album wanting, why don't you check out the albums by Weeping Tile? This was Sarah's old band before she went solo and they have a much more upbeat rock/pop feel that just may satisfy what you are looking for.

I've never been a fan of "country" music but I find my musical ear changing of late, especially where roots/folk/bluegrass are concerned. The gentle, lovely, uplifting music and lyrics of this CD are not to be missed. I honestly can't pick out a favourite track because I loved every single one of them. I am quite sure that this will be a favorite CD for a very long time.

Perhaps I should have read a review of this cd prior to purchasing it. If you are into country music, you will probably enjoy this cd. However, to my taste, it had a bit too much 'twang' in it. I realize that she is a folk artist, but this cd was closer to 'Songs for Clem' rather than 'You were Here' and 'All of Our Names'. In my opinion, 'You were Here' is probably her best cd.